UNBUNDLING OF NNPC: NASS, oil workers tackle FG

...towards a better life for the people

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

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VOL. 25: NO. 62801

N150

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016

UNBUNDLING OF NNPC

By Henry Umoru, Sebastine Obasi, Emman Ovuakporie, Victor AhiumaYoung, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Mike Eboh & Joseph Erunke

NASS, oil workers tackle FG

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BUJA—THE Senate and workers unions in the oil and gas sector were, yesterday, up in arms against federal g o v e r n m e n t ’ s unbundling of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. The protest paralyzed activities in the corporation.

Both the National Assembly and the workers accused the Federal government of violating the law establishing the NNPC. According to them, the corporation was established through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Act of 1977. The NNPC Act specifically states that the Act or any part thereof can only be altered, changed or otherwise amended by

•Workers protest, shut NNPC offices in Abuja •Kachikwu has not violated any law — Shaibu •We‘ve not unbundled NNPC — Kachikwu •Senate probes FG's plans; Reps divided •Power generation drops to 1, 581 MW 39

Continues on Page 5

COLUMNISTS:

Our roads, our lives •P.17 NNPC PROTEST: Members of PENGASSAN and NUPENG protesting over unbundling of NNPC in Abuja, yesterday. Photo:

Gbemiga Olamikan

Gowon accepts son 48 yrs after

LEKKI BUILDING COLLAPSE: 39

Death toll rises to 34 Financial Discipline… making every naira count

Musa Jack (left) and Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Retd). Agency file photos.

—Adeosun

•P.20

Zuma in Abuja, victory for Nigeria? •P.19

Mr & Mrs 14

Open Letter to President Buhari/ Osinbajo: Re: Devaluation of the Naira —Olowoporoku

•P.29

2 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10 10,, 2016

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POCKET CARTOON

CONDOLENCE— President Muhammadu Buhari signing the Condolence Register of late James Ocholi, during the Federal Executive Council Meeting, FEC, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: State House.

NNPC: NASS, oil workers tackle FG Continues from Page 1 the Act of the National Assembly.

"It is also stated in CAP N123, laws of the Federation, 2004 that the NNPC is a creature of the legislature; the NNPC Act or any part thereof can only be altered, changed or otherwise amended by an Act of the National Assembly.

While the Senate declared the action illegal and had begun probe of President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to undertake the unbundling, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, shut NNPC offices in protest against the move, sparking off fears of worsening fuel scarcity.

There were, however, discordant tunes in the

House of Representatives as some members kicked against the unbundling, while others saw nothing wrong with it.

However, rising from the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting yesterday, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, who announced the unbundling on Tuesday, said what the corporation did was not unbundling but mere re-organisation.

Senate Chief Whip, Senator Olusola Adeyeye, APC, Osun Central, in a point of order on the floor of the Senate, yesterday, drew the attention of other senators to the unbundling of the nation’s agency in charge of the oil and gas sector in the country.

Adeyeye, who will formally present a motion on the matter today, where there would be extensive debate at the

IT'S UP TO YOU

D

BY AYO ADIO

O not wait until the end before giving attention to the things and people that matter the most to you. Life is lived once, live it to the fullest. It's up to you.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want —Zig Ziglar

I

F you’re living a balanced life, you feel an infinte connection of divine love all around you, and it is easy to understand what it means to give beauty and postitive energy just like the rose gives off its fragrance to all in the ether. Strive all you want to attain your heart desires but be mindful, life is more than material possessions and achievements. Let your life have meaning that lights the way for others.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE You don't learn to use the left hand at old age

plenary, described the exercise as illegal as the federal government did not consult with the National Assembly to repeal the enabling law that set up NNPC before breaking it into different components.

Senator Adeyeye said: “We cannot afford a strike at this time and the reason for the strike is because the NNPC has been unbundled, broken into parts that are not known to the laws which established the NNPC. "The NNPC was established with a definite purpose and a definite structure to carry out that purpose.

“Throughout the last National Assembly, we worked very hard on the PIB bill so as to give our petroleum sector an effective structure; we are still working on that. I don’t think any director of any parastatal should act outside of the law.

"I, therefore, seek the permission of the Presidency of this senate and distinguished members that I raise the matter tomorrow(today) for consideration.”

NUPENG, PENGASSAN protest

Meanwhile, all operations of the NNPC were, yesterday, shut by protesting workers as a result of the unbundling.

The workers, acting on the platform of NUPENG, and PENGASSAN, shut the gates leading to the NNPC Towers as early as 6.30am and prevented movement in and out of the towers.

The workers said they were not against the unbundling, but insisted that it must be done in accordance with the law of the land and that all stakeholders, especially PENGASSAN and NUPENG, must be carried along.

Speaking on the action, acting General Secretary

of PENGASSAN, Mr. Lumumba Okugbawa, said the move by the government would be tantamount to a policy somersault, noting that it would discourage investors from the nation’s oil and gas industry at a time the nation needed foreign investment to grow the industry.

He lamented that the government did not take into consideration the existing law that established the NNPC before unbundling the corporation and called for an all-inclusive stakeholders’ forum where all issues confronting the industry could be resolved.

Okugbawa said: “The NNPC was established through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Act of 1977. The NNPC Act specifically states that the Act or any part thereof can only be altered, changed or otherwise amended only by the Act of the National Assembly.

"It is also stated in CAP N123, laws of the Federation, 2004 that the NNPC is a creature of legislature; the NNPC Act or any part thereof can only be altered, changed or otherwise amended by an Act of the National Assembly.

"This Act has many provisions that deal with structure and operations of the corporation. There are many issues such as pensions and transfer of the employees, which were provided for in the NNPC Act of 1977. What will happen to all these provisions of the law?

“For the government to do anything with the current NNPC, the Act must either be repealed or amended. If not, it will amount to lack of respect for the rule of law on the part of the government.

"There is the issue of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, expected to be the legal instrument for the ongoing reforms of the oil and gas industry. This will be meaningless if the government should introduce plans outside the reforms. The PIB is germane to the development of the nation’s oil and gas industry.

“Above all, the various stakeholders, especially the unions were shocked to receive the news as every other Nigerian.

There is confusion everywhere, no direction, no explanation about anything. What happens to the head of subsidiaries like Petroleum and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, National Petroleum Investment and Management Services, NAPIMS, even the refineries?"

Reps divided

But there were discordant tunes among

members of the House of Representatives over the decision by NUPENG and PENGASSAN to embark on strike, following the unbundling.

While the member representing Okitipupa/ Irele Federal Constituency of Ondo State, Michael Adeniyi Omogbehin and Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion representing Ovia North East/South-West Federal Constituency of Edo State condemned the minister for being hasty in carrying out the proposal, Philip Shaibu representing Etsako Federal Constituency of Edo State, said the minister had not violated any law.

Omogbehin specifically wondered why the minister was in a hurry when the House of Representatives on Tuesday called for a suspension of the proposal, pending when its relevant committees on oil and gas submitted its report on the matter.

He said that the House which he described as Nigerian House had taken a decision, asking the minister to halt the proposal to unbundle the NNPC, pending when the committees should submit their reports but expressed surprise the minister ignored the resolution of the House.

His position was supported by Igbinedion, who wondered what it would remove from the minister if he should suspend implementation of the proposed unbundling of the NNPC, pending when the relevant committees concluded their investigations and submit their reports.

But Shaibu differed with his colleagues as he said that the proposal was for administrative convenience and effective management of NNPC, adding that there was no law known to him that had been violated.

He said: “I think what to my knowledge is the meaning of unbundling, according to the minister, is for efficiency and proper management of that establishment, knowing that it is the hallmark of revenue generation, the life wire of this country.

“It must be taken seriously more so with the level of corruption and mismanagement that have taken place in NNPC. There are lots of misnomers in NNPC that are already being investigated. Looking at what he has done from my perspective, it was just to create an avenue where he can manage effectively and also take advantage of enormous resources in this country and make sure that nothing is lost.

“By my little investigation so far, the Act of 1977 establishing the NNPC, does not have any where it stipulated how to unbundle NNPC as he has done. For me, I call it demarcation like he has done. The law, so far as I have seen, has not been offended."

It's mere re-organisation

However, rising from the FEC meeting, yesterday, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachukwu, stated that government has not unbundled the NNPC yet.

Explaining the development in the oil sector in an interview with State House correspondents after the meeting of the Federal Executive Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the minister, who is also the Group Managing Director, GMD of NNPC, said what the corporation did was re-organisation.

He said: “We have not unbundled NNPC. We had a press conference, yesterday (Tuesday), where I explained this.

What we have simply done is re-organisation.

We have five business entities focused on business: Upstream, Downstream, Refineries, Gas and Power that are there before.

“There are also ventures that capture all our little companies that were not having proper stewardship. They are run by individuals who report to the GMD. “The NNPC is still a whole. There is nothing new that has happened.

I have tried to explain this and I am sure the NNPC workers are members of the family, they will understand."

6 — Vanguard, THURSDAY MARCH 10 , 2016

Verdant Zeal’s innovention focuses on Nigeria’s untapped potential

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HE 2016 Verdant Zeal Marketing communications innovention series will be focusing on identifying untapped potential in Nigeria and Africa in general.

Speaking at a press briefing prelude to the event, which is scheduled to hold on March 22, tagged: ‘The Next Big Thing Indentifying Africa’s Untapped Potential,’ Group Director, Content, Synergy and Innovation, Dipo Adesida, said the aim of the Innovention series which is on its fifth edition is to start the conversation on identifying and leveraging on untapped opportunities for collective progress.

He stated that as free trade opportunities continue to grow across African borders, that Nigeria in particular as a mono economic nation needs a concerted effort to ensuring that it creates multiple streams of income if it must remain relevant globally.

The Group Director observed that Africa and particularly Nigeria’s creative community is on the rise, using every outlet to spread its uniquely crafted essence.

From films, food, fashion and everything in between, Africa, now, and more than ever has the chance to export its organic uniqueness to the rest of the world.

The Chairman of the occasion is Kyari Bukar, MD/ CEO, Central Securities Clearing System, CSCS, while Professor Pius Adesanmi, a Professor of English and Director, Institute of African Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada will be the Keynote Speaker.

The discussants are Audu Maikori, chairman, Chocolate City Entertainment, Kelechi Nwosu, MD TBWA/ Concept Limited/ President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, AAAN, Joel Chimhanda, CEO, JC Capital.

Rickey Tarfa, another SAN docked over alleged bribery

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS—TWO Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Rickey Tarfa and Dr Joseph Nwobike were, yesterday, arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, on two different charges of offering gratification running into millions of Naira, to pervert justice before two separate Lagos High Courts in Igbosere.

Tarfa was arraigned on a 27count charge of offering gratification to public officer and alleged failure to declare his assets in the declaration of Assets Form administration served on him by EFCC when he was arrested.

While Tarfa was docked before Justice A. Akintoye, Nwobike was arraigned before Justice Raliat Adebiyi on a five count charge of allegedly attempt to pervert the course of justice and offering gratification to public officer.

Meanwhile, the duo who pleaded not guilty to the charges against them, were granted bail on self recognition.

The two of the counts read: “That you Nwobike, SAN, on March 19, 2015 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this court, intentionally gave the sum of N 750,000 to . Justice Mohammed Yunusa of the Federal High Court directly through your United Bank for Africa Plc Account No.1002664061 in order that the said judge acts in the exercise of his official duties.

February 10, 2016, failed to declare his assets in the declaration of assets form that ‘’That you Nwobike, SAN, on was issued to him by the September 28, 2015 in Lagos agency, when he was arrested. within the jurisdiction of this He said Tarfa refused to court, intentionally gave the declare his assets and also sum of N 300,000 to Justice made a false statement on Yunusa of the Federal High February 5, 2016 to one Usman Court indirectly through Awa Zakari, a senior detective Ajia Nigeria Limited’s account superintendent and an officer No. 0000971931 domiciled in of the EFCC in the course of the Access Bank Plc belonging to exercise of his duty, by claiming Justice Nganjiwa Ajiya of the that he is 43 years old.

Federal High Court in order EFCC also alleged that Tarfa on that Justice Yunusa acts in the June 27 2012, intentionally gave exercise of his official duties.” the sum of N1.5 million to Justice In Tarfa’s case, the EFCC, Ajiya of a Federal High Court in Prosecutor Rotimi Oyedipo Lagos, from his Zenith Bank alleged that the defendant on Account No 1002926967, in order

that the said judge acts in the exercise of his official duties.

He was further alleged to have intentionally given the same judge the sum of N500,000, on the same day, in order that the said judge refrains from acting in the exercise of his official duties.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

Tarfa, SAN, has, meanwhile denied having any under counter dealing with Justice Nganjiwa of a Federal High Court, Lagos as alleged by the EFCC. Tarfa’s case was adjourned till March 22 and 23, while Nwobike’s case was adjourned to April 11, 21, 22, for trial.

FORUM: From left; Mr. Felix Adeoye, Commission Secretary, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC; Mrs. Iyabo Solanke, Director Special Duties; Mr. Tony Ojobo, Director Public Affairs; Prof. Umar. G. Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Ms. Josephine Amuwa, Director Policy Competition and Economic Analysis, NCC, during the "Stakeholders Forum on the Determination of Cost-Based Transmission Cable Pricing" hosted by the NCC in Abuja.

NIMASA: Court adjourns ruling on Jurisdiction to March 21

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS — Justice Raliat Adebiyi of a Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere has adjourned the ruling on applications filed by the former Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Patrick Ziadeke Akpobolokemi and Governor Amechee Juan challenging the court's jurisdiction to entertain the criminal charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, to March 21.

Akpolobokemi alongside six others were arraigned before the court by the anti-graft agency on a 13 count charge border-

ing on stealing the sum of N754,740,680 million belonging to NIMASA. Other defendants are Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Amechee Juan, Vincent Udoye, Captain Sahib Olopoenia and a company, Gama Marine Nigeria Limited.

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, while arguing on the defendants’ application, the EFCC lawyer, Mr. Rotimi Oyedipo, urged the court to dismiss the applications filed by both Akpolobokemi and Juan, the first and fourth defendants in the matter.

In response, the lawyer to the fourth defendant, Asemudara, urged the court to uphold the applications of the defendants and as well dismiss the charges against them.

After listening to the submissions of both parties, Justice Adebiyi adjourned the ruling to March 21.

Labour suspends picketing of Ikeja DISCO

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

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AGOS—RESPITE yesterday came to electricity consumers under Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja DISCO, as organised labour withdrew its siege and suspended action against the company over alleged sack of 400 workers.

Labour on the platform of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, and its Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, SSAEAC, which had since Monday shut the operations of the company over unresolved issues, said it was suspending its action for three weeks following a peace meeting brokered by officials of

Department of State Service, DSS. Vanguard gathered that as part of the peace meeting, both parties resolved to form a joint committee

to work out the conditions of service and procedural agreement for the workers and report back in three weeks.

N1B FINE: NAFDAC destroys Guinness’ expired raw materials

By Chioma Obinna

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ARELY three months after Guinness Nigeria was slammed with N1 billion fine over expired raw materials, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has begun destruction of the items at the

Kuruta dump-site, in Ota, Ogun State.

Vanguard gathered that 15 trucks of expired raw materials had been destroyed since the exercise began on Monday.

The materials in question which included Glucose and malt extracts were said to have expired in May last year but was revalidated to November 2015.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016 — 7

DSS INVASION: I won’t stop criticising FG over bad policies —FAYOSE

As Aluko loses bid to stop arrest, prosecution; Assembly summons Fayemi

Osun renames varsity after Bola Ige, unveils Alakija as Chancellor

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

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DO-EKITI—EKITI State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, yesterday said he would not stop criticizing the Federal Government over its bad policies despite the recent clampdown on state officials by men of the Department of State Security, DSS. The governor, who arrived the state from Abuja, where he had been since Sunday to attend PDP meeting, said no policy of the FG that is inimical to the welfare of the people would be spared by his comments.

According to a press statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, Fayose, who was reacting to the development for the first time since DSS officials invaded the House of Assembly Complex, Ado-Ekiti and whisked four lawmakers away said he remained resolute in his determination to criticise obnoxious policies of the president in the interest of Nigeria and our democracy.

The Commissioner for Finance, Chief Toyin Ojo, was also arrested

by DSS officers but was released late Tuesday night.

“The Bible says people with God are in majority. This is not the first time people will harass me. It is a conspiracy and it will collapse like other attempts before it. I will remain critical of the activities of the Federal Government, especially when they do things that are inimical to the welfare of Nigerians.

“Imagine the questions they asked my Commissioner for Finance, that the Federal Government has reimbursed the

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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BIRTHDAY: From left; Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Ltd, Mrs. Yemisi Edun; Group MD/CEO of the Bank, Mr. Ladi Balogun; the Founder of FCMB Group, Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun; the Group Company Secretary and General Counsel of FCMB, Mrs. Funmi Adedibu and the Executive Director, Business Development of the Bank, Mr. Adam Nuru, during the 82nd birthday celebration of Otunba Balogun yesterday in Lagos. state government on works done on federal roads. But the records are with them in Abuja, can’t they check? We have nothing to hide and they are only chasing shadows and are time wasters.

“Telling the Federal Government that the economy is in trouble and that the President should stay at home to face governance is not a crime and is part of my rights as a citizen of this country,” he said.

Answering question on the allegation that some people offered some lawmakers $1 million to impeach him, the governor expressed implicit confidence in the lawmakers.

“I am just coming from Abuja and I know that our lawmakers are solid guys and their future and mine are tied together. When

the APC was at its peak in the state and they wanted to use 19 lawmakers to impeach me, they failed woefully and they will still fail again,” the governor noted.

Perjury: Aluko loses bid to stop arrest, prosecution

Meantime, the embattled former secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti State, Temitope Aluko yesterday lost his bid to set aside the order of an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate Court for his arrest and prosecution for alleged perjury.

The court, at its sitting struck out Aluko’s motion on notice, seeking the setting aside of the warrant of arrest issued against him on February 3, 2016.

Chief Magistrate Soji Adegboye, described the motion

Ondo Assembly backtracks on Speaker’s impeachment

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—MEMBERS of the Ondo State House of Assembly, yesterday, rescinded their decision to impeach the first female Speaker in the history of the state Hon Jumoke Akindele

and other principal officers less than 24 hours after serving them notice of impeachment.

Eighteen of the 26 members of the assembly at about 10pm on Tuesday met at the residence of one of them and resolved to sack the Speaker, the deputy Hon

Ogun workers dare Amosun, say they are ready for jail Labour Congress (NLC)

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—AS the strike action embarked on by the workers in Ogun State entered the fourth day, yesterday, the organised labour leaders said they are prepared to face any consequence including being arrested and detained to achieve their agitations.

The workers stated this during a mega rally held at the Nigeria

secretariat,along Abiola way in Abeokuta, vowing to embark on a peaceful protest to the State Secretariat next Monday to press home their demands.

While addressing hundreds of civil servants,who attended the mega rally, both the chairmen of the NLC, Comrade Akeem Ambali and Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council,Comrade Abiodun Olakanmi, described the’ no work no pay ’ threat by the state government as a mere fallacy.

Fatai Olotu and all the principal Officers Security was beefed up at the assembly complex yesterday as additional policemen and an Armored Personnel Carrier APC were deployed there by the state Police authorities.

After an over five hours meeting with the state governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko to resolve the uprising in the house, the members soft -peddled.

The fence mending meeting started on tuesday after the governor returned from Abuja and it dragged into yesterday.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting which was attended by members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, the members resolved to allow the status -quo on their leadership to remain.

The Chairman House Committee on Information, Hon. Olamide George told newsmen in Akure that they have reviewed their situation and decided to make a U-turn.

filed by Aluko’s counsel, Mr Niran Owoseni, as a mere academic exercise, time wasting and abuse of court process.

The motion on notice, which was dismissed yesterday, had stalled the execution of the arrest warrant issued against Aluko.

Assembly summons Fayemi over N852m UBEC fund

Meantime, the State House of Assembly, in a move that seemed retaliatory of recent arrest of some of its members by the Directorate of State Services, DSS, yesterday gave a 13-day ultimatum to ex Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi to appear before it and explain the misappropriation of the N852 million Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC fund.

The Assembly also gave March, 22 for the former governor and current Minister for Solid Mineral to appear before it.

NBA, TUC carpet DSS over lawmakers’ arrest

Also, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA and the organized labour have accused President Muhammadu Buhari of sliding into dictatorship, saying such tendency is inimical to the survival of democracy.

In a statement in Ado-Ekiti yesterday by NBA Chairman, Dr Foluke Dada, the body said it views the arrest and detention by the DSS as a sharp departure from the tenets of Democracy and a clear contravention of the Law setting up the Institution.

On its part, the Chairman, Trade Union Congress, TUC, in Ekiti, Odunayo Adesoye, described it as a dangerous trend that could expose workers of the state to serious security risk.

He said workers in the state are now apprehensive of what could happen at their duty posts due to anxiety created by the alleged invasion of the House by security agents.

S O G B O — ASSASSINATED former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Late Chief James Bola Ige, was yesterday honoured in his home state, as the visitor to the Osun State University and Governor of Osun State, Mr Rauf Aregbesola named the stateowned university after him.

This was part of a sweeping renaming of all the tertiary institutions in the state which was announced at the convocation ceremony of the university.

Also, business mogul and oil magnate, Mrs Folorunso Alakija was installed as the new Chancellor of Osun State University, Osogbo, making her the first woman chancellor of government-owned university in Nigeria.

Accompanied by her husband, Mr Modupe Alakija, the new Chancellor had earlier been conferred with Doctorate of Business Administration, DBA, Honoris Causa by the university.

The latest honorary doctorate degree bestowed on her makes it her fifth Honorary Doctorate Degree Award, making it “another glass ceiling broken by womanhood.”

In her speech at the occasion, Mrs Alakija urged parents to change their perspectives on girl-child education in Nigeria, saying that women are now breaking all barriers in human endeavours.

Labour protest compels UI to suspend matriculation

By Ola Ajayi

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BADAN—PROTEST by non-academic staff unions of the University of Ibadan has forced the institution to put on hold its planned matriculation ceremonies for the 2015/2016 academic session earlier scheduled for today.

The angry workers who protested non-remittance of deductions and unpaid agreed allowances also compelled the institution’s management to bring to an abrupt end an orientation programme being organised for new entrants at the International Conference Centre of the institution.

8—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

in the light of the fact that the children lost their breadwinner.

“The President also directed that we find immediate employments for two of them who are graduates. The President has directed that the other two children of school age should be given scholarship up to the university,” he said.

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BUJA — THE Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi, said yesterday, that the driver of late Minister of State for Labour, Mr. James Ocholi, would be prosecuted for over-speeding, following the ghastly road crash that claimed the lives of the minister, his wife and son last Sunday.

He also stated that Ocholi’s driver had no drivers licence as his name was not found on the data base of FRSC. Oyeyemi, who disclosed these while presenting the accident’s Road Traffic Crash Investigation Interim Report to the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, recommended periodic retraining for convoy drivers, adding that late Ocholi and his family members were not on seat belt during the accident.

Overspeeding

He said: “Information gathered revealed that the driver of the crashed vehicle was actually moving at excess of the stipulated speed when he had a tyre burst.

“The crashed vehicle driver was driving too fast and he slammed on his brake so hard. These two factors materially contributed to the inability of the driver to maintain control when the left rear tyre burst.

“Skid marks and grooves found on the westbound shoulder made by the Lexus LX570 for about 15m and 9.3m respectively before it began somersaulting severely and the ejection of the minister and his son showed clearly that the travelling speed of the Lexus LX570 presented unsafe consequences in the event of certain road risk that may have occurred.

“The driver must have entered into a panic situation which resulted in his hard application of brakes and subsequent loss of control that took him into the bush path.

“The DOT number of the tyres were inward which cannot easily be read from outside. This indicates that the orientations of the tyres were not properly fixed which could adversely affect the performance of the tyres.

“The Federal Road Safety Corps Investigation Team (FIT) determines that the probable cause of the March 6, 2016, fatal crash at KM34 Kaduna-Abuja expressway near Rijana village, Kaduna State, was the driver’s failure to maintain directional control of his vehicle when the rear left tyre burst occurred.

“Severity of the fatality was increased due to the ejection of the minister and his son as a result of non use of rear seat belts.

FRSC recommendations

The corps recommended, among other things, for “the certification and re-certification of convoy drivers at intervals of two years of issuance of convoy driver’s licence.

“President Buhari should lead the campaign on compliance with speed limits, starting with installation of speed limiting

Ocholi’s burial arrangements

CONDOLENCE: Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo signing condolence register for the late Minister of State for Labour and Employment during a visit to the deceased's residence in Abuja.

Ocholi's driver to be prosecuted for over-speeding — FRSC

Ocholi’s driver to be prosecuted

Says driver has no licence FEC holds valedictory session for deceased To be buried March 18 As FG announces employment, scholarship for children devises in commercial vehicles.

“There was no record on the driver’s licence national data base of the driver of the minister with the name Taiwo James Elegbede.

“The ejection of the minister and his son, who occupied the rear seat, confirmed the fact that their rear seat belt were not in use and on the contrary, the driver and the orderly survived because the front seats belt were in use.”

Tributes

Yesterday’s FEC meeting opened with President Buhari formally announcing the death of the Army General that died in another auto crash in Maiduguri, Borno State, and asked for one minute silence to be observed in honour of the departed.

Paying his tributes to late Ocholi, President Buhari extolled the virtue of humility which he said characterized the life of the late minister.

He said: “I began to respect his hardwork and humility.

When he attempted to be governor of his state, I campaigned for him almost throughout all the local governments but in the system we are running, one will always keep on trying.

"He didn’t make it. And then the series of committees we are having, I recalled one particular, ACN, CPC, ANPP, I think APGA and DPP, he represented us and what impressed me about him is that he agreed to serve under a junior lawyer to him.

“That showed a lot of humility because I know of two professions — legal and military

— they are very jealous about seniority. But he agreed to serve under a junior lawyer, him being a SAN. Even his contributions here, whether there are memos from his ministry or not, he made substantial contributions. May his soul rest in peace.”

He later signed the condolence register.

Similarly, the tributes continued with select ministers representing the six geopolitical zones making presentations.

Employment, scholarship for children

The SGF also announced that a 13-man expanded burial committee, which he is chairing, had been inaugurated.

According to him, members of the committee were drawn from the government, Ochili’s family and his church.

He stated that the late minister would be buried on March 18, saying, however, it was subject to amendments as there might be exigencies, adding that the burial would be a full affair of the Federal Government.

Briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, David Babachir, announced automatic employments for two of his children who were already graduates in any government ministry or agency of their choice.

There was also an announcement of automatic scholarship for the remaining two children still in school.

He said the gesture was justified

Fielding questions from journalists on whether the driver of the accidented vehicle will be prosecuted for driving beyond the official speed limit, the SGF said it was most probably the case as there were still the existence of speed regulatory laws.

This was even as he asked anyone who had contrary view on what might have killed the minister outside auto accident to report to the police.

“We will persecute the driver.

Nigeria has laws. There is a speed limit in place. We will leave that until the final report of the Federal Road Safety Commission comes up. Anyone who feels it is not an accident is free to report to the police,” he said.

FEC members later visited the family of the deceased to pay their respects.

MWUN members protest planned sack of 3,500 dockworkers

By Victor AhiumaYoung, Egufe Yafugborhi & Adokwu Gloria

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AGOS — WORKERS in the nation’s ports, yesterday, protested against plan by the management of Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, to sack no fewer than 3,500 dockworkers, calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to call NPA to order to avoid industrial unrest.

The protest, which took place simultaneously in Lagos, Warri, Calabar, Onne, and Port Harcourt, was peaceful, but the workers threatened that should the NPA go ahead to sack the Tally Clerks and Onboard Security men, the nation's ports would be shut until they were recalled.

It was gathered that operations at all terminals in Lagos were

shut as early as 7 am till after 11 am before normalcy returned.

In Warri, the protesters picketed the Warri ports, disrupting operations momentarily to draw attention of relevant stakeholders to their grievances.

They accused the management of NPA of planning to use cargoes surveyors, which it allegedly brought into the ports through the back doors, to take over the jobs of tally clerks and onboard security men, but had been claiming that President Buhari directed it to reduce the workforce in the ports.

Addressing the protesters in Lagos, Deputy General Secretary, Organisation, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, Mr. Abdullahi Eroje, said: “The protest is all about the plan by

the management of NPA, through the Managing Director, Habib Abdullahi, to sack 3, 500 dockworkers and he is dropping the name of President Muhammadu Buhari.

"We have been on this matter since December 15, 2015. All efforts by the union to dialogue with the government, even to meet with the Minister of Transport, have failed.

Joseph Adebri, member, national Board of Trust of MWUN, and Godfrey Apocha, Warri chapter executive of the union, who spoke for the demonstrators, noted that the move by government was illadvised and would spell hardship for dockworkers, their families and further strangulate the nation’s economy."

Reacting to the development, Ports Manager at Warri Port, Umar Abubakar Garba, said the concern by the union was nationwide, adding that the authorities were already in talks with the aggrieved parties to resolve the issues.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016—9

FG to raise N100bn in local currency denominated bonds As CBN’s c'ttee member faults borrowing plan

By Emeka Anaeto, Economy Editor

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AGOS — IN pursuit of its borrowing plans for budget deficit funding, the Debt Management Office, DMO, yesterday, said it would raise N100 billion in local currency denominated bonds on behalf of the government next week.

This came against the plan to raise about N390 billion in total local borrowing by end of this quarter, less than three weeks from now.

This is also expected to be tied to the total borrowing plan for N984 billion local bond issue in 2016 fiscal plan.

A breakdown of the instrument shows that a N40 billion worth of the bond will be issued with a maturity date in 2036, another N40 billion of the paper maturing in 2026 and the balance N20 billion of the debt maturing in 2020.

About N60 billion worth of the instrument with 2026 and 2020 maturity dates are re-openings of the previously issued papers, while the 2036 dated instrument is a fresh issue.

In the first debt auction of this year, which took place January 20, 2016, the DMO issued N40 billion and N60 billion of bonds maturing in 2020 and 2026.

The 2020 debt is a re-opening of a previously issued instrument, while the 2026 debt is a new issue.

DMO said it will issue between N40 billion and N60 billion in fresh instruments in each of the first three months of the year.

The Federal Government plans to raise N984 billion in domestic borrowing and N900 billion from foreign debt market to fund the N2.22 trillion deficit in the N6.08 trillion 2016 budget.

The deficit will take the country’s overall debt profile to 14 per cent of the gross domestic product, GDP. Financial analysts believe that government might increase its domestic borrowings due to budget funding gaps and likelihood of failure in the foreign debt market due to policy gaps between the government and the international financial markets over exchange rate policy.

Moreover, the attraction to leverage domestic market is high with high liquidity in the banking system which had pushed oversubscriptions in the domestic debt instrument issues.

CBN’s c'ttee member faults FG borrowing plan

In a related development, a member of the Central Bank of Nigeria's Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, Abdul Ganiyu Garba, has said the government could not be planning to borrow N2.2 trillion on an ill-perceived premise that debt to GDP was still low and that there was room for more borrowing.

The CBN’s MPC is the highest

policy making organ for monetary policies in the country.

In the communiqué of the January session of the committee, issued yesterday by the apex bank, Garba raised concerns over the crowding out of private investors when government was borrowing much.

According to him, that is what caused the debt crisis of the 1990s which led to the Paris Club deal. He also offered an advice to the government to judiciously use the TSA savings rather than focus on borrowing more.

In his words: “The implications of a planned

increase in public debt by over N2.2 trillion will become obvious: increase in debt from N10.5 trillion to N12.7 trillion, crowding-out of private borrowers, including small and medium scale firms that have higher growth and employment elasticities, a rise in interest rates, adverse effects on investment, hence employment and growth and the likelihood that debt service in the 2017 budget would significantly exceed the 22 per cent of the proposed 2016 budget.

“It is worth noting that after Nigeria exited the Paris Club in 2006, the total federal debt was

N2.1 trillion which is well below the borrowing plan for 2016. The borrowing plan will continue a trend that picked up in 2009 during which total federal debt almost quadrupled from N2.8 trillion to N10.5 trillion. Raising the debt by another N2.2 trillion clearly needs much more detailed analysis of the implications for policy effectiveness.

“An ongoing study has shown that had domestic debt risen along the 1981-2006 trend, government expenditure, total debt service and budget deficit would most likely have been significantly lower while private sector investments, credit to private sector and real GDP growth would have been significantly higher than they were."

NAF Mi-35 Helicopter Gunship providing Close Air Support for own troops of 121 Task Force Battalion during the liberation of Iza, Borno State.

MTN fine: Reps summon Buhari’s Chief of Staff, AGF Insist MTN must pay N1.04trn

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA— THE House of Representatives has summoned the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Abba Kyari, over his alleged involvement in the out-of-court settlement between mobile telecommunications network, MTN, and the Federal Government.

The green chamber, through its Committee on Telecommunications, also resolved to beam searchlights on the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Mr Abubakar Malami, over the issue.

The committee also insisted that MTN must pay the N1. 04 trillion fine imposed by the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, for SIM deactivation default.

Chairman of the Committee, Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, APC,Oyo, said the fine, if paid, would redefine the relationship between telecommunications operators and the regulator.

He said the N50 billion paid

by MTN as a down payment for negotiations out of court was not adequate to make up for allegedly undermining government’s efforts to tackle security challenges in the country.

Fleeing Boko Haram members regrouping in Taraba — Senate Says Fulani herdsmen are terrorists Calls on FG to deploy security in Taraba told his colleagues Over 2000 killed in Taraba by herdsmen— Senator

By Kingsley Omonobi, Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

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BUJA — THE Senate, yesterday, said that fleeing members of Boko Haram sect have infiltrated towns and villages in Taraba State, in the North Central geo-political zone of the country.

Consequently, the Senate called on the Federal Government to urgently call on security chiefs to deploy securitymen in Taraba State to stop the killings and flush the insurgents out of the state.

It also urged the Federal Government to undertake a holistic study of the crisis in Taraba State, rehabilitate the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, as well as supervise their re- integration into their communities.

This came on a day sustained air bombardments by Alpha jets fighter aircraft and helicopter gunship of Nigerian Air Foce forced Boko Haram terrorists to

abandon their camp at Iza, Borno State, and fled into Samba forest.

Relevant Senate committees were, however, mandated to visit the affected areas in the state and the IDPs camps to ascertain the gravity of activities of the insurgents and interface with the state government and security agencies towards finding a lasting solution to the activities of the insurgents.

Meanwhile, Deputy Senate Minority leader, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, PDP, Taraba South disclosed, yesterday, that over 2,000 people had so far been killed by Fulani herdsmen in Taraba State since December 2013, adding that there was the need to halt insurgents reassembling in Taraba as well as put a stop to what he described as ongoing silent genocide in the state.

These resolutions were sequel to a motion, etitled “The need to urgently flush out Boko Haram insurgents re-assembling in Taraba and halt the ongoing

silent genocide in the state” and sponsored by the Deputy Senate Minority leader, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, PDP, Taraba South.

Fulani herdsmen are terrorists

Also yesterday, the Senate described as terrorists, the Fulani herdsmen that had been harassing Nigerians in some parts of the country.

But Senator Shehu Sani, APC, Kaduna Central, who rejected the motion, urged the Senate to condemn the description of Fulani herdsmen as terrorists by the nation’s security agencies. His prayer was seconded by Senator Ali Wakil, APC, Bauchi South.

Sani raised this through an additional prayer to the six prayers already contained in Senator Bwacha’s motion on the need to urgently flush out Boko Haram insurgents from Taraba State.

During the presentation of his motion, Senator Bwacha

that the insurgents running away from the military were relocating to safe havens in his state.

2000 killed in Taraba by herdsmen – Senator

Senator Bwacha said: “There is a change of tactics by these insurgents, who now parade as herdsmen to make it more difficult for the unsuspecting public to identify them. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Solomon Arase, recently confirmed that the herdsmen involved in most of the senseless killings are not the same Fulanis we know. ‘’They go about grazing with AK47 rifles. The insurgents caught with over 300 cows in Borno State by the JTF lend credence to the assertion.

“These Boko Haram attackers, masquerading as Fulani herdsmen, have killed over 2,000 people from December 2013 to date in the state.

Meanwhile, sustained air bombardments by Alpha jets fighter aircraft of Nigerian Air Force forced Boko Haram terrorists to abandon their camp at Iza, Borno State, and fled into Samba Forest.

10—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016

Edo magistrate abducted

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OLICE in Edo State have confirmed the abduction of Magistrate Hassana Garuba, wife of former Speaker of the state House of Assembly.

Garuba, a serving magistrate in the state, was kidnapped at Obadan village near Ogbemudia Farms, on the BeninOkenne-Lokoja Road, Tuesday morning.

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Osifo, confirmed the abduction, adding that police were working hard to locate her and set her free.

“Osifo said: “The matter has been reported. Our men are combing the area where the incident happenedý with a view to securing her release and arrest those responsible. We have deployed the necessary machinery, including electronic devices to secure her release.”

Garuba was said to be travelling to Ehor, where she is a Magistrate, when she was kidnapped along with other persons yet to be identified.

A family source said the kidnappers had not contacted them.

... as ex-CBN director regains freedom

By Ochuko Akuopha

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LEH—NINE days after he was kidnapped, 91year-old former Director, Foreign Operations, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Chief Joseph Ogedegbe, has been released by his abductors.

The nonagenarian was kidnapped on February 28 at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Emevor, Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State, where he had gone for worship.

Chairman of the local government, Mr. Emmanuel Egbabor, said Ogedegbe was released at about 2p.m., Tuesday, and found along AdagbrasaAgbarho Road, Okpe Local Government Area.

He said Ogedegbe, who is the Chairman of Emevor Council of Chiefs, has joined his family, adding “we thank God that he was released alive. I commend all security agents who worked relentlessly to ensure his release.”

IN COURT: The 33 suspects arraigned in court over last week's riot at Mile 12, Lagos, yesterday.

33 docked over Mile 12 riots

By Abdulwahab Abdulah & Jane Echewodo

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AGOS—THIRTY-three persons were, yesterday, arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, over the recent Mile 12 riots.

It would be recalled that over four people lost their lives, while properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed in riots that broke out in Agiliti area of Ketu, Mile 12, last week.

It was gathered that about 105 persons were arrested after the riots, out of which the 33 were arraigned yesterday.

Roll call

Those arraigned included: Sanusi Mohammed, 17; Haruna Abdulahi, 30; Umaru Bala, 18; Saheed Tahir Abdulahi, 20; Musa Isa, 22; Biliaminu Dauda, 15; Abeeb Ibrahim, 16; Farouq Abdamu, 22; Aminu Abubakar, 22; Sanni Amadu, 24.

Others are Amoo Mustapha, 42; Danjuma Adamson, 30; America Umaru Saidu, 21; Awolu Alli, 30; Rufai Ibrahim, 15; Monday Obasi, 37; Aminu Abubakar, 19; Abdulquddus Olalekan Ajuwon, 19; Tunde Nureni, 24; Abdulahi Umoru, 20; Musa Usman, 35; Abdulahi Aliyu, 35.

The others are Aminu Saidi Ibrahim, 19; Sunday Idoko, 48; Hassan Adam, 39; Yahaya Sheu Malami, 23; Rabiu Hamza, 19; Nura Yahu, 19; Rayyanu Lawal, 34; Abdurama Mohammed, 40; Abubakar Tasu, 28; Sunday Lawal, 15, and Sani Ahasy, 15.

Charge

They were docked before Magistrate B. O. Osunsanmi on a two-count charge “of conspiracy to wit: felony, unlawful assembly, acting in a disorderly manner and disturbing the public peace.”

The charge read in part: “On March 3, at Agiliti, Mile 12, Ikorodu Road, Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial district, did conspire amongst yourself to commit felony to wit riot and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.”

The alleged offence of “disorderly manner to disturb public peace” also contravenes Section 45 of the same law.

When the charge was read, they all pleaded not guilty.

Trial begins April 7 Prosecutors were Barrister Osuyi Goddy and Inspector Simon Imhonwa.

‘Don't grant them bail’

Goddy, who is from the legal department of the state CID, Panti, objected to the bail application, saying that most of the defendants do not have fixed addresses, which may aid their escape from trial.

In her response, Magistrate

Osunsanmi said that the offences preferred against them are bailable in law, and subsequently granted them N200,000 bail each, with two sureties in like sum.

She ordered that the sureties must be blood related and must have verifiable addresses. She also said that the sureties must be a regular tax payer and adjourned the matter till April 7 for trial.

2 in court for possession of human skull

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WO persons, Kamoru Oladele, 48, and a female accomplice, Jolaobi Adedokun, 48, yesterday appeared in an Iyaganku Chief Magistrate’s Court for alleged unlawful possession of a human skull.

Oladele, who reside at Igbodu Bode Area, Ibadan, was arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful possession of a human skull and charms.

Adedokun of Esuawele Oja Oba Area, Ibadan, was charged with alleged conspiracy and compound felony by aiding a defendant to escape arrest.

The prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Ogunremi, told the court that Oladele and others, now at large, allegedly conspired to commit felony.

Ogunremi said the defendant was in possession of a human skull and charms when he was arrested. He said the offence was committed at about 4:30p.m. at the defendant’s resident on February 22.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A. F. Richard, granted N75,000 bail to Oladele and Jolaobi, N50,000, with two sureties each in like sum.

Richard said the two sureties for Oladele should be blood

relations with three years tax clearance, while Jolaobi’s sureties must be civil servants

on grade level 09; and adjourned the case till May 10 for mention.

I derive pleasure from stealing— SUSPECT

By Esther Onyegbula

A

twenty-eight years old suspect, Babatunde Ibrahim, who was arrested by operatives of Rapid Response Squad, RRS, in Lagos, has confessed that he had stolen o v e r hundred mobile phones, adding that he derives pleasure from the act.

Ibrahim, who was nabbed in Ikeja, said stealing h a d become

part of him since childhood.

He said this at the RRS’ headquarters, while mentioning Sanni Azeez, 27, and Hakeem Kamoru,40, who live at Akala Street in Mushin, were receivers of the stolen items.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10 10,, 2016 — 11

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12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016

Probe DSS over attempt to impeach Fayose, Owie urges Buhari

By Simon Ebegbulem

“If it is true, all those involved must face the music.

Buhari should note that the legislature is the arm that

B

ENIN—FORMER Senate Chief Whip, Senator Rowland Owie, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the allegation that members of Ekiti State House of Assembly were given $1 million by the Department of State Services, DSS, to impeach the state governor, Ayo Fayose.

He reminded the President that such actions endanger the nation’s democracy if encouraged, stressing the need for thorough investigation so as to avoid such an act.

According to him, “President Buhari must not turn his eyes away from the on-going recklessness by the operatives of the DSS "Buhari should direct the Inspector General of Police to investigate the allegations by members of Ekiti State House of Assembly that some DSS operatives offered them $1 million to impeach Governor Fayose.

gives any regime in the world legitimacy, because under any regime the executive and judicial arms

are always there. Therefore, the legislative arm in Nigeria must be respected and not rubbished,” he stated.

INVESTITURE: From left: Hajiya Zainab Saleh, Immediate Past President, handing over to New President, Mrs. Izarene Aret-Adams, during her investiture as the 59th President of International Women's Society, Nigeria, at Ruby Garden, Lekki, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

Ese'll be rehabilitated, returned to school —Delta govt

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By Samuel Oyadongha

ELTA State Government, yesterday, promised to assist in the rehabilitation process of the 14-year-old Ese Oruru to ensure her quick return to school after the delivery of her child.

Ese, an indigene of Delta State, was abducted and taken from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to Kano, where she was converted to Islam and allegedly married by her abductor, one Yunusa Dahiru, popularly known as Yellow.

However, at the time the minor was rescued, she was found to be five months pregnant.

The delegation of Delta State Government, led by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, during a visit to Ese Oruru and a meeting with her parents in the presence of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Peter Ogunyanwo, reiterated the preparedness of the state government to join the Bayelsa State Government to ensure that the minor returns to school and continues with her life.

Ukah, according to a source, said that they were happy that the young girl was doing well since returning to Bayelsa

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State from Kano.

The commissioner expressed the gratitude of

Delta State Government to all who played a role in Ese's return to Yenagoa,

adding that the law should take its full course against the man who

Saraki tasks ACF on contribution to GDP

By Henry Umoru

S

ENATE President, D r. Bukola Saraki, yesterday, appealed to all geopolitical zones in the country to contribute equitably to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, in order to ensure national stability.

Saraki, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, in Abuja, made the appeal when the

Chairman of the National Executive Council of Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Ibrahim Coomassie, led other executive members of the forum to visit the Senate President at the National Assembly.

The Senate President said the only way for the North to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the nation’s GDP and the

diversification of the economy was for its leaders to methodically focus on mining and agriculture.

He said: “My appeal is that in all countries that have gone through similar economic challenges like ours, recovery does not happen overnight. There will be initial pain but eventually the future will be bright. It is this journey that we should have embarked upon

A-Ibom community flays removal of Ikot-Abasi from Littoral group

By Tom Moses

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KO T-A B A S I — ASIDE from being confronted with incessant communal clashes with Amazaba community, the Andonis of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, the people of Ikot Akpan Udo have raised alarm over the alleged “surreptitious” removal of the name of the community from the list of littoral communities in Akwa Ibom State.

A communique at the end of a meeting of the elders, chiefs and leaders of Ikot-

Akpan Udo in Ikot-Akpan Udo, “expressed surprise at the realisation that the map of Akwa Ibom State had been surreptitiously redrawn to deny Ikot Akpan Udo and Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas of their littoral status through their total exclusion from access to the sea.”

On that realisation, the community has warned oil prospecting companies operating in Ikot Abasi territory to desist from paying royalty accruing to Ikot Abasi to Eastern Obolo Local Government and urged Ukpum Ete Clan

and Ikot Abasi Local Government Area to rise, defend and protect their patrimony.

The communiqué by Secretary of Mboho Ukpum Ete, Mr. Nkanta Nkanta and the Village head of Ikot Akpan Udo, Eteidung Oscar Abel, said “From August 28, 2008 till date, Ikot Akpan Udo community has faced incessant attacks from Amazaba Andonis of Eastern Obolo council but Ukpum Ete clan and Ikot Abasi councils have not raised appropriate concern towards the plight of Ikot Akpan Udo people.”

allegedly abducted her to Kano State.

Be prudent, Osanebi charges scholarship beneficiaries

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HAIRMAN, Friday Osanebi Foundation, Mr. Friday Ossai Osanebi, has charged beneficiaries of this year’s scholarship scheme to make wise use of their funds and continue to study hard in order to remain in the scheme.

He made the call, yesterday, while addressing students who called on him to show appreciation and to confirm receipt of their cash.

At press time, it was confirmed that over 90 percent of the beneficiaries have since accessed their scholarship funds and are already in school.

The foundation gave various scholarship packages to 100 indigent students from across Delta State, Delta North in particular.

At the award ceremony which took place in Asaba, the Chairman of the foundation and Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr Friday Osanebi admonished the students to see themselves as favoured of God and so must study hard to remain in the scheme.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016—13

30 Rivers APC members killed in 2 weeks —Segun Oni As Wike attributes Omoku killings to cultists

By Jimitota Onoyume, Gbenga Oke, Omeiza Ajayi & Davies Iheamnachor

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HEAD of the March 19, 2016 re-run elections into state and federal constituencies in Rivers State, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has accused the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state of killing its members.

APC said that in the last two weeks, no fewer than 30 of its members have been killed in Rivers State, describing the state as a killing field.

According to the party, the security situation in Rivers State was clearly an affront on the Federal Government’s power to protect lives and property within its territory.

Acting National Chairman of the party, Engr. Segun Oni, at a media interface at the party ’s headquarters in Abuja, also accused the state governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, of threatening personnel of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to write their wills before venturing into the state for the March 19, poll.

Meanwhile, Governor Nyesom Wike has described those behind Saturday’s murder of three members of a family in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area of the state as cultists, saying it was unfortunate that the APC had evolved a practice of always claiming victims of cult clashes as its members.

Wike, who spoke at Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, when he played host to the new Managing Director, Total E and P Nigeria limited, Mr Nicholas Terraz, said that his government was working hard to guarantee security of lives and property in the state, adding: “Those who beheaded members of a family in Omoku have been arrested and they are cultists.

“If casualties occur during any cult-related violence, APC claims the victim as their member. I wonder why a political party, because of politics, will claim cultists as its members.”

Also, the governorship candidate of APC in the state, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has said that Governor Wike has no clue on how to tackle insecurity in the state.

He also said that the governor’s cluelessness and dormancy had fuelled speculations all over the state that he was the promoter and sponsor of the political crisis going on in the state.

Speaking to Vanguard, Peterside said if something urgent was not done to curb further violence ahead of the National Assembly re-run, “what is going on right now might be a joke compared to what will happen during the forthcoming election.”

Similarly, senatorial candidate of APC, in Rivers South-East

senatorial district for the re-run election, Senator Magnus Abe, has said that the former governor of the state, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, was not interfering in the activities of Governor Wike’s government.

Abe, in statement in Ogale Eleme, Eleme Local Government Area of the state, yesterday, when he visited the people of the area on his reelection campaign, disclosed that Amaechi was not giving attention to the activities of the Rivers State Government.

Abe said that since the former governor assumed office as Minister, he has never fought the incumbent governor of his state.

In a related development, the PDP in the state, has alleged

that it had uncovered a plot by Abe, reaching out to security chiefs to influence transfer of some INEC, staff to manipilate the forthcoming re-run elections in the state.

In a statement, the state PDP chairman, Mr Felix Obuah, said the APC planned to instigate the militarization of the state, hijack ballot papers and rig the forth-coming re-run national and state Assembly election in the state.

Obuah said: “We have watched with keen interest series of coordinated, incisive, provocative, false and completely misleading statements in circulation, emanating from the APC and its defeated candidate, Peterside, painting Rivers State

as “a killing field, hunting and killing APC members,” all targeted at creating a state of emergency where soldiers will be drafted in to supervise and ensure the success of their well planned, scripted and coordinated hijack of ballot papers, result sheets and rigging of the re-run elections.

“The PDP condemns the APC for claiming all dead persons in Rivers State as its members killed by the PDP, regretting that it is obvious cases of clash by two cult groups, casualties of motor accidents and natural deaths, the APC continues to lay claim to them as its members. We call on the security agencies to investigate all claims by the APC on the killing of its members to ascertain the veracity.”

PRESENTATION: From right: Cross River State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr.; state Director-General, Bureau for Public Private Partnership, Mr. Udiba Effiong Udiba, (standing); Managing Director, Infraxtruct Services Ltd, Dr. Paul Ibru and the International Business Manager, China Railway Engineering Group Ltd, Mr. Chao Yang, during a presentation meeting in Calabar.

Alleged mastermind of Agip pipeline attack arraigned

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA—THE alleged mastermind of the bombing of a crude oil delivery line belonging to Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC, in Southern Ijaw Local Governemnt Area of Bayelsa State, “Gen” Pastor Oyere has been charged to court.

The suspect, an ex-militant leader, was arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, by the Federal Government.

Oyere is charged with unlawful tampering with Agip Pipeline, criminal extortion and illegal oil bunkering.

Mr. U.J. Chidozie, who represented the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, told the trial judge, Justice H.A. Nganjiwa, that they were prepared to proceed with the case against the accused.

Counsel to the accused,

Tekena Ediyekio, however, agreed with the adjourned date of April 25, 2016.

The accused was apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in collaboration with a private security firm,

Guardian Dragon Oil and Gas Security.

Oyere was allegedly arrested after being lured to Yenagoa from the creek of Southern Ijaw by officials of the private security outfit, Guardian Dragon Oil and Gas Security for a meeting.

DTHA urges Buhari to intervene in Army invasion of Delta community ….says 87 years old woman still missing

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—THE Delta State House of Assembly, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Chief of Army Staff to carry out full investigation into the unlawful invasion, massacre and occupation of Ovre r’Eku community in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state by soldiers attached Presco plc.

The legislature, in a motion which was brought under matters of urgent public importance by the member representing the constituency in the House, Chief Evance Iwhurhie, alleged that the illegal invasion was led by one Lt E.D Oworobo.

He appealed to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to take up the issue with President Buhari with a view to fishing out those involved in the act and bring them to book.

Decrying that the action of the soldiers was a threat to the people of the community, the House in its resolution called on the President to prevail on “Edo State Government, the Oba of Benin, Presco Plc and Newcross Petroluem Limited to desist from further harnessing, claiming and colonizing the Delta State community of Ovre r’ Eku, Ethiope East council of Delta State, which they have renamed Iwevbo as part of Orhionwon Local Government Area of Edo State and Benin kingdom.”

Capt Omaghomi (Tito) for burial

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APTAIN Augustine Omaghomi, aged 72, is dead. He hailed from the families of Omaghomi Numa of the Princess Uwala Royal Household of Bateren, Warri South-West Local Government Area in Warri Kingdom and Timiwumi Sideso of Oruvie Quarters, Effurun, Uvwie LGA, Delta State.

A statement by the family said the late Omaghomi would be buried March 18, 2016 after a service of songs at the Catholic Church of the

Ascension, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, on Tuesday, and lying-in-state at 7, Ijaw Street, Warri Delta State, on Friday.

Funeral service will hold at Christ African Church, 5, Odion Road, Warri, followed by interment at Ode Itsekiri (Big Warri), Delta State.

He is survived by his widow, Mrs Aisha Omaghomi, 13 children, six grandchildren, uncles, inlaws, brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews and nieces.

Late Capt. Omaghomi

14 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10 10,, 2016

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016—15

BIAFRA: Kanu, others ask court to stop trial •As 27 IPOB members ask court in Enugu to quash criminal charges

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri & Francis Igata

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BUJA — DETAINED leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday, asked the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to stay further proceeding on his trial.

Kanu and two other pro-Biafra supporters who are facing trial with himBenjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi,urged trial Justice John Tsoho to hands-off their case and await the outcome of an appeal they have lodged before the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.

The trio who are answering to a six-count treason charge, made the application on a day the Federal Government was to open its case against them.

It will be recalled that the court had on Monday, declined to quash the charge against the defendants, even as it permitted the prosecution to shield the identity of eight witnesses that are billed to testify in the matter.

The court equally refused to discharge and acquit the three defendants as it was prayed to do under section 351(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

Meanwhile, at the resumed sitting yesterday, the defence lawyer, Chief Chuks Muoma, SAN, informed Justice Tsoho that he has taken the case before the appellate court to challenge what he described as “strange procedure” adopted in the trial of the defendants.

On his part, the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Mr. Mohammed Diri, who is handling the trial on behalf of the government, admitted that a copy of the motion for stay of proceeding was served on him before the court commenced sitting.

He applied for time to enable him to respond to the motion.

Consequently, Justice Tsoho adjourned hearing of the defendants’ motion for stay of proceeding to April 5.

The Department of State Service, DSS, had at the last adjourned date, alleged plot by some pro-Biafra agitators to invade the court and forcefully free the defendants.

Besides, the prosecution informed the court that witnesses scheduled to testify against Kanu and the others, said they would not appear unless they were allowed to wear masks or their identities shielded from both lawyers and people observing the proceeding.

“My lord, this is because they are already receiving threats from associates of the defendants that they will be dealt with. The witnesses said they love their lives and requested that their identities be

Gov Dickson reconciles Imo PDP

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VISIT: Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Cecilia Ezeilo (left), in a handshake with the Medical Director, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, Dr. Cajetan Nwadinigwe, during a visit by Dr. Nwadinigwe's team'at Government House, Enugu, yesterday. shielded from people who are coming to witness the proceeding,” Diri added.

Sequel to his application, Justice Tsoho gave an order permitting the witnesses to testify behind a screen.

The defendants had on February 9, opposed the Federal Government’s application for secret trial, even as they queried the propriety of the court allowing “masquerades” to testify against them.

The defence lawyer, Muoma, SAN, vowed to challenge the revised order for the identities of the witnesses to be protected.

He contended that the trial court had become functusofficio on the matter, having earlier ruled on the previous application by the prosecution.

The defendants were alleged to have committed treasonable felony, an offence punishable under Section 41(C) of the Criminal Code Act, CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

The Federal Government alleged that they were the ones managing the affairs of IPOB which it described as “an unlawful society.”

The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge on January 20, even as the court ordered their remand at Kuje prison in Abuja.

Quashing criminal charges

Also yesterday, twenty-seven members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, prayed a magistrate's court sitting in Enugu to strike out criminal charges filed against them by the police.

The accused persons told the court through their lead counsel, Emeka Ugwuonye that the police had not shown diligence in prosecuting the matter.

It was gathered that the accused persons were holding a prayer procession on February 9, for the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, before they were arrested.

The pro-Biafra activists, who

had earlier been arraigned and granted bail by the presiding magistrate, Paulson Egbo, reappeared in court yesterday for continuation of hearing.

However, the matter could not go on as the prosecutor, D.I Ogbu informed the court that he was yet to obtain the consent of the Attorney General of Enugu State.

Consequently, Ugwuonye, the counsel to the accused persons, prayed the court to discharge his clients.

He equally prayed the court for an order that the personal properties of the accused persons be released.

However, in a counter argument, the prosecutor, Mr. Ogbu told the court that the defendants’ counsel was not supposed to be making such application even when one of the accused persons was not in court.

He prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him obtain the AG’s consent.

The magistrate, thereafter, adjourned the matter till April 5,2016, for continuation of hearing.

Imo workers to get only 70% of January salary

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By Chidi Nkwopara

WERRI—THE 18-man joint committee comprising the state and labour, set up in Imo State, has unanimously agreed to pay only 70 per cent of workers salary across board, while making reservations for pension.

The state chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Austin Chilakpu, disclosed this yesterday at a press conference in Owerri.

“The 70 per cent of the gross revenue for the month of January 2016 is N3,373,826,736.67. Given that the verified wage bill and pension for the month stood at N5.3 billion, the committee is

saddled with a differential of about N1.9 billion”, Chilakpu said.

Continuing, the labour leader explained that “the committee have, in the application of the N3,373,826,736.67 to the settlement of salary and pension due to the workers and pensioners, decided to pay salary earners in the state 70 per cent of their salary across board”.

Comrade Chilakpu further explained that organized labour was not in any way spearheading a downward review of workers salary but only doing the needful with the resources available while hoping to pay up the balances when the revenue improves.

While saying that labour would be fully involved in the payment

of salaries to forestall cases of ghost workers picking up salaries, Comrade Chilakpu, however, disclosed that it has set up a committee of financial experts to fast track the salary payment and improve on the financial state of the government as regards revenue generation.

Answering questions from newsmen, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical Issues, who heads the government’s side of the committee, Mr. Ikenna Emeh, pointed out that the payment of salary was not fixed but only a matter of what is available.

“The committee is an ad hoc arrangement and so does not have the right to borrow money. It only has the authority to apply 70 percent of its share to the payment of salaries and pensions”,

By Anozie Egole

BUJA—THE chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, Peace and Reconciliation Committee and Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson yesterday, March 8, held a crucial meeting with the party’s leadership cutting across the feuding factions of the party in Imo State at the Bayelsa State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro in Abuja.

In a communiqué signed after several hours of deliberations, the warring factions resolved to unite and join forces to strengthen the party and ensure the victory of the party in all elections beginning with the March 19 rerun in Imo North Senatorial zone.

While promising to be loyal to the national chairman, National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee of the party, the leaders also resolved to cooperate with the national leadership to conduct the forth coming congresses in a free and fair manner in line with the party’s constitution. The meeting also resolved to hold an all- inclusive leadership meeting of the party in Owerri, Imo State under the chairmanship of Governor Dickson.

The communiqué was signed by two former governors of the state, Chiefs Achike Udenwa and Ikedi Ohakim, Senator Hope Uzodinma, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Amb. Dr. Kema Chikwe, Senator Chris Anyanwu, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Senator Athan Achonu, Col. Austine Akubundu (retd) and pioneer chairman of the PDP in Imo, Chief Innocent Nwoga.

Governor Dickson thanked the party leaders and elders for taking the path of peace in the overall interest of the party and promised to translate the good news to the party leadership.

Prominent among those at the meeting were two former governors of the state, Chief Achike Udenwa and Chief Ikedi Ohakim, the former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives and Imo State governorship candidate of PDP in 2015, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, three serving senators- Senator Hope Uzodinma, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Senator Athan Achonu, South East Chairman of the party, Col. AustineAkubundu(retd)andtheparty’s NationalWomanLeader,Amb.Dr.Kema Chikwe.

Others are former senators, former ministers and ambassadors, all former state chairmen of the party led by the pioneer chairman, Chief Innocent Nwoga, Mni and a host of others.

Following the resolve of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP,to unite its membership and strengthen the party across the country, the National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff on March 8, 2016, set up a peace and reconciliation committee headed by the GovernorofBayelsaState,Hon.Seriake Dickson.

16—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10 , 2016

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We walked through broken braids of steel And fallen acrobats. The endless safety nets Of forests prove a green deception Fated lives ride on the wheels of death when, The road waits, famished “May we never walk When the road waits, famished –Wole Soyinka In Idanre And Other Poems (1967) HE news broke at the weekend, of the tragic death of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, James Ocholi, wife and a son, on the Kaduna Highway. The frightening destruction of their SUV vehicle went viral online at the weekend, as Nigerians came to terms with the loss of a prominent citizen, on a day when several other citizens would have been killed on our national network of roads unsung, and in a ritual pattern that has become a part of our lives in Nigeria. Just as I was thinking of writing about the unending rituals of deaths and accidents, the news wires began reporting the death through an accident on the MaiduguriDamaturu road, of General Yasha’u Abubakar, the Head of Training and Operations of the Nigerian Army. He had been at the forefront of the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency.

The General Officer Commanding the Army’s 3rd Division, Brigadier General MSA Aliyu had also sustained injuries in the same accident.

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Worsened state of roads Clearly, Nigerian roads are a veritable danger to the lives of Nigerian people! And in a bizarre sense, we get angry and frightened about these unending patterns of carnage but have not thought out a proper attitude to arresting them. We are lost in a fatalistic surrender to metaphysics, in a country where the wellbeing of citizens counts for very little and where there has been entrenched a ritual of budgeting, especially for the construction and rehabilitation of roads.

They either disappear as we saw under the Obasanjo administration; or the roads stay like forever under construction, as we see on the Lokoja-Abuja expressway, that has been on since 2002.

The picture is the same all over Nigeria, even when weekly meetings of the Federal Executive Council cannot stop announcing the awards of various roads contracts; things have progressively worsened on Nigerian roads. I drove on the Abuja-Kaduna road last Friday, and the many potholes are such a danger, because a lot of times, it was the couple of seconds before reaching them that one would discover them. If the driver is lucky, you attempt to avoid them and that can be the veritable source of a worse form of danger, because the effort could go awry, leading to a dangerous accident. When you C M Y K

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Our roads, our lives cannot avoid them, you enter those potholes and by the time you arrive at your destination, if you are lucky to arrive safely, you are obliged to fix some damages in the vehicle as I ended up doing on Friday afternoon in Kaduna.

It was on that same stretch of road that Minister Ocholi, wife and son tragically lost their lives! It was in 2002, that Sam Nda-Isaiah described potholes on Nigerian roads, big enough to swallow small cars. Those potholes are still there, have multiplied and are not only swallowing small cars, but they continue to consume Nigerian lives!

Highest accident rate There is a sobering study done

by Vitus N. Ukoji titled: “TRENDS AND PATTERNS OF FATAL ROAD ACCIDENTS IN NIGERIA (2006-2014). The report, using the Nigeria Watch database, showed that 15, 090 lives were lost to fatal road accidents in 3, 075 events, between June 2006 and May 2014. On a national scale, Lagos recorded the highest number of fatalities (1, 579 deaths from 620 accidents), while the FCT (Abuja) had the highest relative number of deaths (0.6 deaths per 100, 000 inhabitants). The report went further to state that Nigeria “is ranked second-highest in the rate of road accidents among 193 countries of the world”. As a matter of fact, the WHO “adjudged Nigeria the most dangerous country in Africa with 33.7 deaths per 100, 000 population every year”.

Furthermore, the WHO report said: “one in every four road accident deaths in Africa occurs in Nigeria”. The WHO survey as well as the FRSC reported 5, 693 fatal road accidents in Nigeria in 2009. The causes of these accidents were then categorised into human, environmental and mechanical factors, with the human factor being responsible for 90% of accidents, while the mechanical and environmental

Surely, it cannot make anyone of us happy, that we have Africa’s highest levels of road accidents and the second highest on earth

factors take the remaining 10%.

The human factors include visual acuteness, driver fatigue, poor knowledge of road signs and regulations, illiteracy, health problems, excessive speeding, drug abuse and overconfidence while at the steering wheel. In an interview that I did with Olu Agunloye, pioneer head of the FRSC for Radio France International, many years ago, he added a Road Accidents Immunity Delusion Syndrome (RAIDS) as one of the most dangerous factors in understanding road accidents in Nigeria! There are Nigerians deluded enough to believe that they carry some form of immunity against accidents.

They would do very dangerous things, such as drink heavily, and somehow believe that they cannot have an accident! The mechanical factors leading to Nigerian road accidents include poor vehicle maintenance, tyre blowouts, poor lights, unroadworthy vehicles and broken down vehicles on roads without adequate warning. And the

environmental factors include heavy rainfall, Harmattan winds, sun reflection, heavy wind, potholes and untarred roads.

Accident and human factor It is clear that the human factor has been the most important factor in our roads accidents. On the part of the ruling elite, there is the very dangerous “convoy culture”, when government officials are driven dangerously at top speed, without respect for any forms of regulation. They endanger their own lives, because in a lot of instances, the “Big Man” in the “owner’s corner”, does not deploy the seatbelt, and if an accident happens, his life is the most endangered. When they are not endangered, they cause serious problems for other road users.

Where that “convoy” culturefrom-hell emerged from has not been sufficiently interrogated in the Nigerian social space, but they have ruined the lives of so

many citizens, including the lives of members of the Nigerian ruling elite. But we cannot continue to harvest the death of citizens, including the very best of our society, those that should be alive helping to build our country. There is a major struggle to wage against our human weaknesses as citizens, but the state and its institutions must play their roles in making citizens to obey the basic rules of engagement that must apply in the building of a modern society. Citizens in society and civil society organisations must also help in the creation of a civic culture of personal and collective sense of responsibility and the respect of the rights of all other citizens, especially as we drive on our roads. While there is a worldwide acknowledgment of the phenomenon of road rage, I think its Nigerian manifestation, as in all other negative social indices, is truly frightening!

If we can combat the human factor that is responsible for 90% of accidents on our roads, it might be much easier to wage a collective battle against the mechanical and environmental factors which account for 10% of the accidents in our country.

Surely, it cannot make anyone of us happy, that we have Africa’s highest levels of road accidents and the second highest on earth.

The deaths of Minister Ocholi and members of his family, surely diminish our humanity all, because we are all involved in mankind, as the Poet John Donne, reminded: “So never ask for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee”!

International Women's Day: The Sen. Ali Ndume challenge

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HE 8th of March is celebrated all over the world as International Women’s Day. For those who might not know, the celebration is directly related to advocacy by Clara Zetkin (1857-1933) the German Marxist theorist and activist.

She was a pioneer fighter for women’s rights, equal opportunities for women as well as women’s sufferage.

She led the fight for the adoption of an International Women’s Day, to commemorate the contributions of working women to the advancement of humanity. Today, even bourgeois circles as well as neocolonial elites, including those in Nigeria have come to accept an International Women’s Day, as commemorative of the place of women in society.

Well, this week, Clara Zetkin entered Nigeria’s “Distinguished” Senate, through the car park (in a manner of speaking, since Senate President, Bukola Saraki, had confessed that he was hiding inside a car in the car park the night before he seized senate in June 2015!).

While contributing to a debate on a motion to celebrate International Women’s Day, Senate Leader,

Ali Ndume requested Nigerian men to marry more than one wife in order “to show care for women”. Ndume asked men to marry more wives as a way of taking care of them: “I urge men to marry more wives as a way of taking care of them”.

The Senate Leader was deadpan serious in his request: “Men should take care of women by not just befriending them, but by going further to marry them. I know there is nowhere in the Bible that prohibits marry more than one wife”.

One man, many wives Ndume then addressed Bukola Saraki: “Starting with the senate president I ask him to consider marrying more than one wife”. He then made a formal request to the Senate, urging it to declare that Nigerian men should marry more than one wife: “As a sign of respect for women, let’s urge men to marry more than one wife”; a motion that was seconded by Suleiman Nazif, representing Bauchi North Senatorial District.

The original motion about International Women’s day had been moved by Oluremi

Tinubu, who paid tribute to Nigerian women: “We represent courage and resilience (and) without us I don’t think this country will move forward”. Tinubu’s serious note seemed to have been outflanked by Ndume’s ambushing tactic and the motion for men to marry more than one wife. But Binta Garba (APC Adamawa) offered Ali Ndume a riposte: “We are not sex objects. Bible is in support of one man, one woman. We want gender parity. Where women and men work side by side”.

As for the motion seeking Nigerian men to marry more than one wife, well, it failed; because Bukola Saraki ruled that: “the NAYS have it”!

Smart man, he won’t have to face Toyin’s wrath! What would Clara Zetkin have felt about Senator Ali Ndume’s request for Nigerian men to marry more wives, “as a sign of respect for women”?! If you wait long enough, everything changes, even inside Nigeria’s Senate.

The distance from hiding inside a car park to seeking more wives for Nigerian men is not as long as it took Clara Zetkin to help set out an International Women’s Day. If in doubt ask our “Distinguished” Senators!

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016 FINALLY, former Interior Minister, Abba Moro, is answering to charges of abuse of procurement process and diversion of public funds preferred against him and four others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC had slammed an 11count charge against them for allegedly collecting N676.6million from 676,675 job seekers in the fatal Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) recruitment exercise in 2014, where many young graduates were injured and scores of lives lost in stampedes thereby throwing families into perpetual anguish.

The EFCC disclosed, in the charges read in court, that the money realised from this horrendously packaged recruitment exercise was spent in buying choice real estate property, while the firm contracted for the job, Drexel Tech Nigeria Limited and one Mahmood Ahmadu, converted N101, 200,000 to

Moro and co docked, at last!

US dollars to personal use.

The accused allegedly contravened the Public Procurement Act, No. 65 of 2007 in that the contract awards did not follow the due process.

Many heaved sighs of relief that, at last, the proverbial long arm of the law is catching up on a case that was almost swept under the carpet.

In 2014, about 6.5million graduates applied for 5,000 immigration jobs, but the conduct of the test in stadiums led to the death of several applicants while thousands more were injured during stampedes in

Abuja, Port Harcourt, Minna. The applicants had paid a non-refundable application fee of N1, 000 each.

It is gladdening that, at last, those behind this contrived tragic exercise are having their days before the law after two years of perceived attempts to cover up the national outrage.

This was one of the many disappointing events that took place during the Dr Goodluck Jonathan presidency which got many Nigerians angry at government’s unwillingness to visit the full weight of the law on those behind the avoidable

death and disablement of job seekers.

The trial of Abba Moro and his cohorts will restore the faith of Nigerians in the ability of the state to hold occupants of top government posts to account for their acts of omission and commission, especially when injuries and loss of lives occur.

It may be cold comfort, but at least, the revealing of the truth behind the tragedy and the dispensation of due justice will serve as some consolation for the bereaved families.

It will also act as a deterrent to public office holders who cook up all sorts of schemes and collude with external collaborators to extort money from unsuspecting members of the public in the guise of offering them jobs.

Those who feel secured in the false assurance of “godfathers” will also realise that the day of reckoning can only be postponed, not averted.

OPINION Financing political parties, elections and corruption (2) Continued from yesterday

By Patrick Cole

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ARTIES and politics cost a lot of money none of which is really accountable. As with PDP so with APChow did APC pay for its party officials, its uniforms, transport, rallies and conventions etc. Members of APC, APGA, Labour etc. are Nigerians not people from Jupiter, or Mars or other planets. We saw their campaigns, their slogans, and the entourage that followed the campaigns. Who paid and how were these paid for? It is trite to say that as the South South had contributed heavily to the elections in 2003, 2007, 2011. Many states in the North, the West and Lagos were assumed to have footed the bill of the last election. Many of the states have a Nigerian version of the “Super Packs” which are used in the United States to support candidates and political parties. Contracts are given for various projects. Those who won these projects are then approached to make donations to the party. I am definitely not suggesting that there were prearrangements or kick backs, I just do not know. But political entourages do

not travel for free, and there is no culture of voluntary service in the cause of a political party in Nigeria. We saw the APC, APGA, Labour party members and leaders hoping in and out of planes, all over Nigeria, ditties, slogans, were sang and played on radio, television and rallies at all levels – wards, local governments, states and Abuja. How were these paid for? Who paid for them?

In the US and most democratic countries in the West, individual donations to political parties are severely limited and scrutinised. This is why President Obama and Senator Bernie Sanders could claim that most of their money came from personal donations that were less than a few dollars. It is, of course, entirely possible that this miraculous transformation has

The PDP allegedly shamelessly stole to run and lose the election. How did the APC and its allies pay to win their own election?

arrived in Nigeria and APC, APGA, Labour etc. now have millions of Nigerians sending a few Naira to them for campaign. In that case Nigerians must be proud of this achievement and we should shout it at the top of our lungs and shame all those who continuously bray at our systemic corruption.

Whatever the case may be Nigerians deserve to know how this happened: We deserve to change our electoral laws and campaign contributions such that each party accounts for its source of funds before the election and tell us how those funds were spent. Where corporate bodies and individuals had made substantial donations we should know, the amount recorded and tax duty paid on such donations. At the end of the election all those EU and UN and other monitoring observers and agencies should come back, with their forensic auditors, a phrase we like even when they do worse than nothing (see the forensic report on NNPC) to check the books of the political parties. There is a school of thought who says that, a pig is a pig. Another says that it does not matter how a leader gets to the top provided once he is there, like the great philosopher king of Plato, or the Prince of Machiavelli, he does good. I do not know who is right but still others say that process is both vital and important.

There are too many Nigerians who know our entire problems, all our

solutions but would not be caught dead at even a neighbourhood meeting. Civil societies cannot shirk its responsibility to call leaders to account, to scream at injustice wherever perpetrated. To do less is to live a life of doom destined to despotism, sometimes, despotism is not confined to a person; it may be the despotism of a small group or even of a party.

We must aim at finding ways to involve a large number of our people in the political process, that involvement should go viral, as they say in social media. When it is viral, we curb excesses, we know our strength, and we motivate our people for growth and stability.

The PDP allegedly shamelessly stole to run and lose the election. How did the APC and its allies pay to win their own election?

Certain functions of Government, for example, the collection of taxes to increase Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) were farmed out to corporations and companies for a fee, sometime as high as 5% of total collected; sometimes even more. These companies were known to be sympathetic to the fortunes of the awarding government (the concession would not have been awarded if it were not so).

Continues tomorrow on pg 18 •Dr. Cole, a former ambassador, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10 10,, 2016 – 19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Zuma in Abuja, victory for Nigeria?

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T was described in official circles as a visit to deepen trade relations between Nigeria and South Africa. Nigeria’s largely unutilised Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geffrey Onyema, said the state visit of President Jacob Zuma of South Africa was also meant to calm the tension that “may exist at another level”. After all, Zuma came with a large retinue of business leaders from South Africa, some of whom already have flourishing businesses here. He was given the great privilege of addressing the joint session of our National Assembly. No doubt about it, this visit was as big as any state visit could get.

But beyond the trite official diplomatese and pageantry, you and I know that Zuma came here to plead for MTN which is reeling from the US$5.2 billion (N1.1 trillion) fine that MTN calls “the world record” in punitive corporate penalties.

MTN had tried negotiation and court action. When they failed, they obviously persuaded the South African president to engage President Muhammadu Buhari and settle the matter politically. If you put it bluntly President Zuma came to beg

Nigeria.

The symbolism of this issue should not be lost on us. It shows that Nigeria has the capacity to move mountains on the African continent. Nigeria has a ton of influence over its continental rivals, South Africa. Nigeria can hurt South Africa’s strategic interests more than they can hurt ours. This is because South African businesses have grown from about four in the past two decades to 120 today, and most of them are growing faster and making more profits in Nigeria than any other place in Africa.

The truth of the matter is that Nigeria not only played the leading role in freeing South Africa from Apartheid as President Zuma acknowledged while here, we have become a mainstay of South Africa’s economic prosperity.

Nigerians should rejoice at being able to pull just one string and South Africa’s leader came running to us for amicable settlement of a cynical corporate infraction which undermined our nation’s security. It is a huge diplomatic victory. The question now is: what next?

When a country wins a victory,

be it a military, diplomatic or economic one, they use it to further their grand national interests.

When the Allied Powers defeated Adolf Hitler’s Germany and her allies in 1945, the five principal powers – USA, USSR, UK, France and China – awarded themselves veto powers in the Security Council of the United Nations, a universal organ they created to rule the world and prevent another possible world war and invasions of sovereign nations by stronger powers. They forbade Germany and Japan from pursuing military programmes that could threaten others in future.

But they did not arrogantly abandon Germany and Japan to their own devices or attempt to marginalise them. Instead, they

Nigerians should rejoice at being able to pull just one string and South Africa’s leader came running to us for amicable settlement of a cynical corporate infraction which undermined our nation’s security.

It is a huge diplomatic victory. The question now is: what next?

Where are the Trade Unions?

O NE permanent feature that has remained with most Nigerian workers is the pay-day ordeal. Except the few who get something by the side, for most workers, the pay-day – supposedly the day of reward for the worker’s efforts in the past one month – instead of being his happiest day turns out the saddest.

The pay-packet has just been delivered to him, or in the more modern way, the credit alert for his salary has just been sent from his bank. His children’s school fees are automatically a front-line charge. The house rent must be paid. The “exercise book arrangement” – those small-small credits from neighbourhood stores – must be settled. And then, transport, travelling, and utility bills must be settled.

In the accounting profession, these fixed charges are classified as uncontrollables. After the worker settles these, he finds that his account is already in deep red. He is sad and sometimes, he begins to think that he would have been better off, not working at all. But life must continue. So, he quickly sets the borrowing cycle in motion again.

Today, the Nigerian worker has a multiplicity of problems but no one is listening to him. A situation where the purchasing power of the Naira has totally capitulated to inflation; a situation where over 87% of Nigerians live on less than N184 or about $0.47 per day; and where life expectancy has fallen to 47years from the 60 years at independence in 1960, is contemptible, to say the least.

The much-talked-about N18,000 per month minimum wage translates to less than $50 by today’s exchange rate. This means that the worker’s take-home pay cannot even take him to the next busstop.

Where, then, are the trade unions? Last November, it took some non-conformist state governors’ decline of the payment of the menial wage to remind the unions

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that an upward review of that menial wage has been long over-due. Put simply, the unions are defective even in the basic task of fighting for their members’ welfare.

In the more civilised climes, the role of trade unions transcends the picket-lines.

Even more important than organising strikes, their functions include researching into strategies for avoiding strikes. Trade unions should be society’s watch-dog, constantly keeping all institutions of government and the organised private sector on their toes.

The unions should organise themselves into an alternate-government, with a viable department that would, for instance, pick up the annual budget of the federal government, take it apart; and reassemble it to suit the interest of the generality of Nigerians.

Quite frankly, unionism in Nigeria has not always been as docile as it is today.

Unionism emerged to curb the excesses of Nigerian politicians right from independence. Unions fought against anti-people policies, high-handedness of the government, particularly the military regimes, corruption and insensitivity of the political elite to the plight of the suffering masses.

Labour movements properly articulated the aspirations of the masses in society, raised their political consciousness; and mobilised public

The unions must come out of their shells because when the chips are down, history will only be interested in their achievements – not how long they were in the trenches

created the Marshall Plan, which enabled the defeated enemies to grow on the economic and technological fronts. After the USA and China, Japan remains the third richest economy in the world followed by Germany. In fact, these two former bloodthirsty military powers have become so wealthy that they have lost the apetite to stockpile military capabilities. They became part and parcel of the West. The winners of the World War II used their victory to build a stabler, more economically prosperous Western power bloc.

This is the original “ win-win” situation.

Compare this to how we, in Nigeria, used the civil war victory over Biafra 46 years ago. The victorious Federal side declared “No Victor, No Vanquished” and even rolled out the three “R’s” ( R e c o n c i l i a t i o n , R e c o n s t r u c t i o n , Rehabilitation), in apparent mimicry of the Western Marshall Plan. But while the West rehabilitated the defeated countries Nigeria sidelined its defeated enclave, marginalised it and discarded the Biafran inventions that could have taken Nigeria to a different level if we had copied the Americans and Jews who took over the inventions of Hitler’s Germany for the benefit of ther nations.

Today, the marginalisation that was reserved for the former Biafrans has spread to all Nigerians, and everybody is crying. It is not only the renewed agitation for Biafra that we have to contend with; even those who led the coalition against Biafra are crippled by the extreme poverty of governance which came after the civil war.

Some of their young people now believe that only a system based

sentiments against the abuses of the ruling class.

Unions were in the vanguard of the nationalist movement, w h i c h eventually led to N i g e r i a ’ s independence and the total emancipation of the Nigerian state.

Labour also raised fundamental questions on education, health and other social services. It constantly challenged authoritarian tendencies wherever they existed.

In those days, when Michael Imoudu sneezed, government caught cold. We still remember very vividly that fateful day in 1963, when we were holidaying in Lagos. We watched from a storey building at Idumota Square as Imoudu, under the scorching sun, followed by the workers – all totally immersed in cold sweat. The march started from Hebert Macaulay Street, Yaba and they headed for Parliament Buildings, Tafawa Balewa Square, where they held up parliamentary proceedings. That was how the union forestalled the plan of then Tafawa Balewa administration to turn Nigeria into one-party state after abolishing official opposition.

There is, though, no escaping the inevitable conclusion that no organisation can ever grow much higher than the environment in which it exists.

Workers must necessarily form opinion of their unions based on the life-styles of their leaders.

As we speak, the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, shamelessly parades parallel national executives. This is clearly a mirror-image of the larger Nigerian society. In the past, leadership of the NLC was a call to duty, a call to service but today, it is a call to ostentation and very soon, who knows?, it may become a call to the ownership of a private jet. Why would such not abandon their duty posts and pursue wealth?

on strict Islamic rule would cure the poverty and destitution that sweeps across Northern Nigeria.

Those who led and won the war against Biafra had chosen to reward themselves with the spoils of the oil resources of the former Eastern Region. This bred corruption, indolence and ethnic rivalries and domination. It sowed the seeds of the ethno-religious violence that rages all over the country in various guises today.

So, what are we going to use this diplomatic victory over South Africa to achieve? Are we going to now sit down and exploit the full benefits of the various bilateral agreements we have signed with South Africa?

Are we going to explore the advantages that exist within the framework of the Nigeria/ South Africa Bi-national Commission? Are we going to engage the South African government such that they will remain conscious of what we can do if Nigerians are ever harassed again in South Africa? Will we insist that all South African businesses operating in Nigeria must accommodate more local content?

Will we pursue our economic diversification drive with patriotic zeal that will allow South Africa to bring in its epertise, experience and funds into our solid minerals sector without trampling on the rights of our people as MTN, DSTV and many South African businesses have been doing? If we do these and more, then our diplomatic victory will make sense.

I suspect, however, that the main focus of our government is to get MTN to pay as cash as we can wheedle from it to go and spend. After that, nothing more.

Such is the poverty of the mentality of our rulers.

The principle of fair-hearing also demands that we hear out the trade unions on all sides. The plight of the trade unions leadership in Nigeria has been pathetic. They didn’t get to this sorry state by sprint. Violence against trade unionists has been endemic. We are talking or murder, disappearance, intimidation, torture, harassment and detention, sometimes for years, without charges and without trial.

For instance, Milton Dabibi, General Secretary of PENGASSAN, as he then was; and Frank Kokori, General Secretary of NUPENG, as he then was, were detained in 1994 and 1996 respectively for upwards of two years without trail and even when their health deteriorated, they were denied access to medication. We lost count of the number of times the former NLC President, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, was arrested and detained.

That’s how Labour was decapitated virtually unto its comatose state, no thanks to the military authoritarianism. In the process, some unionists went underground and became extinct. Some migrated to the comfort zone where they are today.

In all, the unionists were not alone in the military brutality. Journalists were not spared, either. Dele Giwa didn’t live to tell his story. Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor were luckier that they only served long prison terms.

The unions must come out of their shells because when the chips are down, history will only be interested in their achievements – not how long they were in the trenches.

Certainly, we shall overcome someday!

20—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10 , 2016

Financial Discipline… making every naira count Discipline... it is all in the detail

By Kemi Adeosun CONOMISTS have long found Nigeria to be something of a conundrum. The macro picture has always appeared compelling - large population, oil reserves, mineral reserves, endless tracts of arable land, land and sea borders for regional domination. Indeed the absurdity of our underperformance is only surpassed by our ability to accurately quantify our losses and missed opportunities.

In the short period that I have been privileged to serve as Minister of Finance, I have observed that even the most basic systems and controls over the management of our resources are in dire need of strengthening.

While we are regaled with and shocked by details of amounts stolen, diverted or wasted, we must face the cold reality that such acts are facilitated by weaknesses in our systems. Even if we successfully prosecute and jail every looter, ghost worker and other economic saboteur, there is every risk that those caught will only be replaced by persons who are just as bad, or worse - unless we radically strengthen our systems and institutions.

Our President’s brave and committed fight against corruption and waste is as much an economic crusade as it is a moral one. The objective is not just to stem the corruption and loss but to execute an economic plan to channel those monies into much needed areas that will support and reposition the economy. In short, the fight against corruption is not about

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KEMI ADEOSUN “retribution” and meting out punishment, it is about releasing funds for our economy. I am humbled to be part of the ongoing work on recovery and can report that the urgency in the work, especially our interface with nations where our money has been stashed, is propelled by our need for funds to invest into our economy.

Our economic plans are not about austerity and frugality; if that were the case then we would not be attempting an expansionary budget. We could have pursued fiscal consolidation and maintained 2015 budget size, and then introduced severe public spending cuts to balance the books by laying off workers and cutting projects. Had we done so, we would by now be the darling of the IMF and other multi-laterals.

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Conversely, we are undertaking an ambitious counter cyclical strategy to stimulate our sluggish economy and expanding government spending with a focus on infrastructure, the true catalyst for economic growth. This will have contractors returning to site and re-engaging workers, it will see new projects commencing, arrears released and economic activity reinvigorated across the nation.

We plan to take advantage of low global prices for commodities and contract prices. Existing contracts are being renegotiated downwards, with significant savings recorded and new projects priced to reflect current commercial realities. Our spending stimulus is private sector driven, supported by a robust procurement system that will see permanent local capacity built in a number of sectors including oil and gas, housing construction and agriculture.

However, and this is the key differentiator, we plan to spend in a disciplined manner that will extract the maximum value for every naira spent.

The process of building the internal control framework to support this need for disciplined spending has begun in earnest.

Our Efficiency Unit has reviewed four years of detailed expenditure data to identify trends and is already negotiating volume discounts that appropriately reflect the buying power of government. Personnel remains our largest cost. In addition to the BVN driven cleaning of our payrolls that has so far removed 23,000 fraudulent entries, we have initiated significantly stronger controls over our payroll.

These efforts will exert a constant downward pressure on personnel costs until such a time as we have assurance that every payment is accurate and valid. A similar process is now commencing in Pensions. The N160 Billion spent monthly on personnel and pensions related costs demands this as an absolute minimum.

The revenue focus is non oil. We are revisiting historical decisions that are no longer in the best interests of the national economy.

The establishment of various Boards and Parastatals to undertake the operational and revenue generating business of government was a wellintentioned attempt to provide separation from policy makers.

However, as the economy has grown, so too has the revenue earned in these agencies and their financial autonomy has grown in a manner that no longer

We will no longer measure performance by the size of our budget or the amount disbursed

fully serves the public interest.

Port charges, maritime charges, airport landing fees, visa charges, passport charges, telecoms licence fees, among many others, must be tracked and accounted for.

While the Fiscal Responsibility Act was designed to provide control, actual compliance has been poor. The result has been leakage on a staggering scale, as findings from our ongoing audits suggest. This is a serious issue. The upside is a significant revenue opportunity which the TSA implementation has given us sight of, and which we are supporting with a proactive drive for improved accountability.

At the same time, our traditional revenue sources are being supported to be more effective. In Customs, we are making the necessary investments in container scanners and other equipment required to improve collection efficiency. This is combined with the results of a compensation survey which will see the introduction of performance related pay, to reduce corruption and create an alignment of interest that will enhance revenue generation.

With FIRS there is a well-defined plan to enhance compliance by widening the tax net.

Widening the tax net Using data to drive tax compliance, we will ensure that the tax regime is efficiently administered and that everyone pays their fair share. There is a need for disciplined and effective system of managing our financial resources to ensure maximum value. We will no longer measure performance by the size of our budget or the amount disbursed; we must measure by the impact of that expenditure on the lives of Nigerians. To measure and manage this we have already made some key changes in the way funds are released. We have abandoned the old system of capital releases that funnelled a proportional share of available funds released to each Ministry, Department and Agency. We have a robust system in place where funds are tied to specific outcomes as documented by each agency. This is being supported by follow up reviews to ensure implementation.

As Benjamin Disraeli once said, “We are not creatures of circumstance; we are creators of circumstance.” I am firmly convinced that Nigeria is on the right path. The path of discipline will confront some age old destructive habits. It will challenge some unwritten rules, and I personally will step on some highly placed toes on this journey.

All this I am fully prepared for, and so I do not expect nor do I particularly want to be popular.

•Adeosun is Minister of Finance

Foreign portfolio investments in stock market declines

By Emeka Anaeto, Economy Editor

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OREIGN Portfolio Investment, FPIs, into the Nigeria Stock Exchange, NSE, recorded a decline to N43.37 billion in January 2016, against N51.35 billion in the previous month and N99.11 billion in the corresponding month of 2015.

Though the decline was attributed to the major foreign exchange crisis the economy was facing, the data from the NSE also indicated that foreign investors’ dominated transactions during the period, accounting for 51.57 per cent of the total transaction value.

Total transactions at the nation’s bourse in January decreased by 23.93 per cent to N84.1 billion from N110.56 billion recorded in December 2015. In comparison to the same period in 2015, total transactions decreased by 55.67 per cent from the N189.72 recorded in January 2015. Domestic investors conceded about 3.14 per cent of trading to foreign investors as domestic transactions decreased from 53.55 per cent in December 2015 to 48.43 per cent in January 2016 while FPI transactions increased from 46.45 per cent to 51.57 per cent over the same period.

Monthly foreign outflows outpaced inflows which was consistent with the same period

in 2015. However, there was a 23.17 per cent decrease in foreign outflows from N34.31 billion in December 2015 to N26.36 billion in 2016. Also, foreign inflows decreased by 0.18 per cent from N17.04 billion in December 2015 to N17.01 billion in January 2016.

Institutional investors dominated the domestic investments with transactions worth N21.85 billion, representing about 54 per cent of the total domestic transactions while retail investors were responsible for N18.88 billion or 46 per cent.

In the corresponding month of 2015 the retail investors with N60.08 billion worth of investments hugely outplayed the institutional investors which were responsible for N30.53 billion.

Investments in the Nigerian stock market dropped by 29 per cent or N770 billion in the 12 months of 2015 according to data from the NSE. Total investment in the country was N1.9 trillion last year compared to N2.6 trillion in 2014. Data from NSE also reveals transactions involving FPI declined by 33 per cent or N513 billion for the year while domestic component dropped by 22.5 per cent or N256 billion when compared to 2014.

Money laundering: EFCC calls more witness against Lamido, 2 sons

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA—TRIAL of the former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido resumed, yesterday, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, producing another witness to testify before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

Lamido is answering to 27count criminal charge bordering on corruption, money laundering, breach of trust and illegal diversion of public funds to the tune of N1.35billion. He is facing trial with his two sons, Aminu and Mustapha, alongside their alleged accomplice, Wada Abubakar.

Lamido was specifically alleged to have abused his position as governor of Jigawa State between 2007 and 2015, by awarding contracts to companies where he had interest, using his two sons as front. He was equally alleged to have collected kickbacks from contractors in the state, with the funds allegedly paid into accounts that were managed by his sons. Four companies that were allegedly involved in the fraud - Bamaina Holdings Limited, Bamiana Company Nigeria Limited, Bamaina Aluminium Limited and Speeds International

Limited, were also joined in the charge.

At the resumed trial, yesterday, the EFCC called a twelfth witness, Alhaji Suraju Ahmadu, to testify before Justice Ademola Adeniyi. The witness who was led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Chile Okoroma, told the court that he knew all the defendants very well.

Ahmadu, who is the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Rauda Integrated Services Limited, denied executing contracts in Jigawa State aside the construction of a hospital, a staff quarters, as well as the deployment of motorized boreholes that provide solar energy in Jigawa State.

The witness said he never authorised anyone to take decisions on behalf of the company. Another witness, Joy Isen, had on February 10, 2016, tendered before the court, account opening packages and statements of account of Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company, Interior Woodworks Limited and Rauda Integrated Services Limited.The documents were accordingly admitted in evidence by the court.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016 — 21

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LMOST everyone in the neighbourhood admired Mariam Adamu (not real names).

Her fair-complexion, height and extremely beautiful figure would pass for an international model anytime. Her seven-year-old child seemed a photocopy of her too.

21-year-old Mariam had just moved in with her husband into the neighboured, from a neighbouring city.

Hence, neighbours knew practically nothing about her outside her near-goddess beauty.

It wasn’t until a couple of years later when her husband took a second wife with whom he later relocated, that the cynosure of all eyes became the centre of real pity; Mariam had been living in unimaginable emotional trauma but was sensible enough to cover-up.

She was living with Vesico Vagina Fistula, VVF, an abnormal fistulous tract extending between the bladder(vesico) and the vagina that allows the involuntary leakage of urine from the vagina. She developed this at childbirth. Her disappointed husband obviously couldn’t bear it anymore than abandon her for at least a healthier woman! Poor Mariam died the following year from lack of care.

The truth about early

marriage

Victim of early marriage What tragic end for another unfortunate victim of early marriage!

No fewer than 800,000 women in Nigeria, basically for reasons such as Mariam’s, suffer from VVF annually in Nigeria, according to a 2015 report by the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, UNFPA. Also known as child marriage, early marriage, a common phenomenon in some parts of Nigeria, refers to either a formal or informal union entered into by an individual who is less than 18.

There’s been a whole lot of controversy surrounding child marriage in Nigeria, with some endorsing it on the basis of religion even as the 1999 Constitution Section 49 4(b) remains confused about it after stymied attempts at its deletion by the senate. Notwithstanding, statistics and background checks on victims of child marriage identify socio-economic factors as major drivers.

Whatever the reason is for giving out a minor in marriage, the sour end of majority of these girls proves that

By Josephine Agbonkhese Anino Aganbi

&

the disadvantages certainly override every possible benefit it might accruewhether to victims, their immediate families and the larger society.

Biological aspect “Generally speaking, teenagers make very poor mothers. Their judgement is poor and their skills at caring for newborns are hardly as good as that of adults. Biologically too, until the age of 18, a woman’s pelvic bone is still developing and may not be easy for a baby to pass through.

So, even though one who is less than 18 can carry a pregnancy to full term as she has started menstruation, she may have obstructed labour when it comes to child delivery because the pelvis is not yet big enough for the baby to pass through. Therefore, a woman is not biologically fit for marriage until 18,” a Lagos-based Gynaecologist, Dr. Lemadoro Steven,

told Woman’s Own. Obstructed labour, Lemadoro explained, could result in VVF, lead to neuronal injury resulting in obstetric palsy thus making it difficult for her to walk or stand for life, with VVF also leaving her with a whole gamut of problems such as urine leakage, irregular menstruation, infertility, and much more.

Though VVF can be corrected surgically, it is not uncommon to have

There’s been a whole lot of controversy surrounding child marriage in Nigeria, with some endorsing it on the basis of religion even as the 1999 Constitution Section 49 4(b) remains confused about it after stymied attempts at its deletion by the senate

such surgeries fail repeatedly, thereby leaving the woman emotionally shattered.

“So, my verdict is: marriage and pregnancy are a dangerous venture for any woman less than 18,” Dr Lemadoro said.

Psychosocial aspect There seems plenty of psychosocial no-no to it too.

As another medical practitioner, Dr. Abayomi Adesuyi, puts it, psychologically, a girl under 18 is not ready for marriage. Hence, when the inability to meet up with the accompanying demands of marriage overwhelms her, the reaction of people around her begins to affect her psyche, making her withdrawn as she feels a failure.

“Early marriage could make a teenage girl emotionally imbalanced.

This could lead to depression, especially if she isn’t enjoying such marriage. Such people also factor in high mortality rate.

“On the other hand, girls who engage in early marriage appear unkempt as they are not properly balanced. This could make them appear much older than they actually are because they are not even looking further than having their children and taking care of their homes,” Dr. Continues on page 22

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016

The truth about early marriage Continues from page 21 Abayomi told Woman’s Own. Cervical cancer risk Starting sex at a young age, science has also revealed, can factor heavily in diseases such as cancer of the cervix; a cancer caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the cervix, with the ability to spread to other parts of the body.

Corroborating this, Dr. Abayomi said: “When a child is exposed to sex at a very tender age, the tendency of having multiple sex partners is there and the risk of having cervical cancer is high. In paediatric medicine, engaging a minor in sex is labeled ‘child abuse’.

Socio-economic consequences The disadvantages of early marriage also goes beyond health, says Professor of Guidance and Counselling, Mrs Mopelola Omoegun, Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Lagos.

“A woman needs to be mature physically, emotionally and economically before going into marriage. Emotionally, she may find it impossible to cope when there is a quarrel between her and the husband; she starts crying and running back home.

“Her social circle will undergo set back because she becomes a misfit among her age mates who aren’t married and among mature married women who find her too young for their circle.

“Economically of course also, she will be at a disadvantage because she probably has not completed her secondary school education, isn’t working and will therefore depend on the husband for every single thing.

“Above all, she will find it difficult raising her children properly because she herself still needs training- and of course, she can’t give what she doesn’t have. Hence, you are likely to find children of such mums becoming problems to the society, unless there are family members willing to help out.

Generally, the effect of early marriage on the society can be grave and enormous,” Prof Omoegun said.

IWD 2016: in words and Pictures Across Nigeria, women celebrated International Women’s Day with an unprecedented number of events and launches of women’s products.

The United Nations first began celebrating the day on 8 March in 1975, and each year has given focus to women’s status around the globe.The current goals fit in with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They follow on from an event hosted by UN Women and the People’s Republic of China for global leaders to commit to action on women’s empowerment and access to capital.

Int’l Women’s Society inaugurates 59th president

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HE Int’l Women’s Society, Lagos inaugurated its 59th president amidst applause even as women all over the world were being celebrated. The newly installed president, though a Jamaican by nationality, has shown her zeal for making a difference in the lives of Nigerian women and children who have needs.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Izarene Aret-Adams stated that “It gives me great joy to stand before you as the 59th President of our prestigious Association, the International Women’s Society (IWS).

The dream that started 59 years ago has grown into a mature woman and metamorphed into a mother who has nurtured her children and imbued them with skills, empowered them, emancipated them and is still standing strong. Our theme this year is on Womanhood. We will still be focusing on the girl-child which translates to educating a nation. The more we key into the idea, the better it is for our country, Nigeria and the world. Women are multi-tasking and can take up any economy roles to

FROM LEFT: Mrs. Ego Boyo, Vice President of International Women's Society, Nigeria, Dr. Uduimo Itsueli, Chairman, Dubri Oil Company and Chairman of the Occasion, and New President, Mrs. Izarene Aret-Adams, during the Investiture of Mrs. Izarene Aret-Adams, as 59th President of International Women's Society, Nigeria at Ruby Garden, Lekki, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

improve their overall situation. The bedrock of any economy is small and medium enterprises. Women participate more in this sector. Empowering them is of utmost necessity.

She also stated that “Wanting to help people has always been my pet project of which I am into quite a number of charity organizations. We need to get out there to make people realize what we are doing.

Celebrating the International women’s day on the same day with being inaugurated president was simply by chance. Women should be celebrated at all times thereby encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and become high fliers in the society.

Program Secretary, Ify Oji stated that “At Int’l women’s society (IWS), we are very strategic about what we do and we are very realistic about the impact we can have on the society. We identify what benefit programs we embark upon and find impactful ways to benefit them.

Immediate past President, Hajiya Zainab Saleh also stated that the past year has been a very eventful one. “I had some nice programs and I believe people who were able to attend enjoyed them. I enjoyed my year as the president and didn’t feel it was anything out of the ordinary that I usually do. You must learn how to work with people generally. Give people the opportunity to hear what they have to say.

Empowering women through Fashion:

The Ebele Udoh Vision

By Kehinde Ajose

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•Ese Oruru

The new agenda, which is meant to build on the unfulfilled Milennium Development Goals, has a stand-alone goal just for the empowerment of women and girls as a core means of tackling economic underperformance, global overpopulation and poverty worldwide.It also celebrates the achievements of women throughout history.

In some countries, the day is a national holiday and sisters, grandmothers, mothers, women and partners are given presents to mark it.

EVELOPING countries are yet to tap into the power of fashion as a tool for the empowerment of women. The fashion industry has the capacity to create jobs, bridge geographical boundaries, explore the hidden talents of women who have a passion for fashion and add value to the economy. Fashion has the capacity to create a viable income for women and serve as a tool for making their voices heard.

Ebele Udoh is the Managing Director of African Designers Mall Ltd (ADM) with the vision of to make African Fashion and fabrics accessible across the world. ADM (African Designers Mall) seeks to meet the retail business challenge of

the African fashion industry by being the leading online vendor for African designers and fabrics.

ADM is partnering with Martell Nigeria for an exclusive pre-launch business event. The goal is to educate and inform African designers across the world about the importance of an online presence, fashion as a business, evolution of the African fashion industry and fashion being the new oil. Speakers at this event will include: Sola Oke (Marketing Director, Martell), Funmi Ladipo (FADAN President), Adebisi Ajayi (Group Head, Gender Business Bank Of Industry), Ebele Udoh and others. The conference will be holding on the 13th of March 2016 at Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10 10,, 2016 – 23

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24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016—25

26—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016

Manufacturers seek 18 months access to forex for backward integration

By Princewill Ekwujuru

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ANUFACTURERS in the real sector of the economy have requested the federal government to grant them 18 months access to foreign exchange to enable them backwardly integrate.

Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN President Dr. Frank Jacobs, made the request during a factory tour by Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Bimbo Ashiru, where he said, “18 months window is whatmanufacturersoftomatoneed to move the sector forward.

Prerequisite support Backward integration is paramount on the mind of tomato producers, and it would only be ideal to support them, actualise this ambition for the good of our economy, as you well know once this is actualized, jobs would be created and more importantly exports would starttohappenbecauseNigeriahas the potential to become leading exporter of concentrates, if given the prerequisite support”.

“One way, we could make this happen, is partner the northern states, since tomato cultivation thrives in the North where it finds favourable climate, Governors in the North should endeavour to work together with credible Manufacturers like Sonia Foods, to speedily achieve backward integration. Nigeria is the second highestProduceroftomatoinAfrica and 13th in the world. Still, it spends N11.7billion annually, on importation of tomato paste”.

“Sadly, about 750,000 of the tomatoes harvested in Nigeria, go

to waste, as a result of poor Food Supply Chain, FSC management, price instability, and the supply preference of farmers and middlemen for urban markets than processors due to low farm gate prices”.

It will be recalled that under the new foreign exchange policy regime, 41 items were barred from access to foreign exchange, necessary for the purchase of raw materials for processing and Production of finished goods.

Jacobs explained that, the solution to this challenge is provide an avenue where, Nigerian Manufacturers of tomato paste can harness this yield for paste Production,therebyencouragingthe farmers smile while equally keepingthemgainfullyandpositivelyEngaged.

Corroborating, Managing Direc-

Sadly, about 750,000 of the tomatoes harvested in Nigeria, go to waste, as a result of poor Food Supply Chain

tor of Sonia Food Industries, Mr. Nnamdi Nnodebe, said “This development has become a challenge and has left manufacturers groaning under the weight of the current policy which has made it difficult for them to access raw materials.”

Continuing, I am very confident, if given this allowance, it will work together for our good and for the economy,becauseSoniaFoodscan

compete a tomato factory farm, requisite for processing tomato concentrate, within two years.

Nnodebe is confident that Sonia Foods can complete a tomato factory farm, requisite for processing tomato concentrate, within two years.

Responding, the Ogun State Government pledged its firm support especially for manufacturers within the state saying they will give

the required support to enable them thrive by taking the manufacturers’ case to the federal ministries of finance, industry, trade and investment. “Our government is committed to creating the enabling environment through good road network because if they are producing all these goods and we don’t have good road network, the goods are dead on arrival.”

Policy institutionalization, bane to economy devt —Minister

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By Ediri Ejoh

INISTER of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechuckwu Enelamah has identified policy institutionalization as one of the current challenges confronting his ministry in implementing profitable policy that will shore up development for the economy. $121. 15 0.95 Speaking during the 2016 KPMG Alumni $2,994.00 -7.00 Cocktail and presentation of its 2nd $14. 72 0. 14 edition, KPMG Alumni Magazine, titled ‘Interactions’, the $40. 45 -0.80 Minister said that it is their mandates to $37. 35 0.85 diversify the economy and ensure that the CURRENCY BUYING SELLING country ’s economy move beyond the US DOLLAR 196 196.5 197 current pace, and the POUNDS 278. 4572 279.1676 280. 8779 EURO 214.7376 215. 2854 215.8332 ministry has put in FRANC 195. 6283 196. 1274 196. 6264 place policies that are YEN 1.7388 1.7433 1.7477 long time in nature and CFA 0.3104 0.3204 0. 3304 can stand the test of WAUA 271. 9187 272.6123 273.306 RENMINBI 29. 9164 29. 9931 30. 0699 time.

RIYAL 52. 2388 52. 3721 52.505 He said: “The crisis KRONA 28.7761 28.8495 28.923 we are having right SDR 272. 342 273. 0368 273.7315 now actually makes CBN Exchange rate as at 09/03/2016 opportunity better,

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ALUMNI: From left, Nike Oyewolu, Head, Sales & Markets, KPMG; Yomi Sanni, Partner and Chief Operating Officer, KPMG; Seyi Bickersteth, National Senior Partner, KPMG; Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; Wole Obayomi, Partner, Tax, Regulatory and People Services, KPMG during the 2016 KPMG Alumni cocktail and presentation of the second edition of the Alumni Magazine ‘Interactions’, in Lagos.

because everybody is saying what can we do, nobody is pretending that things is normal and the good thing about this present administration is that it is people –centred- government, but good intention have to be translated into good policy that grow economy.”

Enelamah also stated that his ministry has identified four basic principles which are fundamental to any economy

but difficult to do, “aside from creating enable environment for industry, trade and investment where government will act as a partner to business and not a competitor.

“We also propose for a change of mindset. How can you imagine a situation where government have a ‘service culture’ like; how can we help?

It doesn’t means you don’t regulate but means you are

actually trying to service those coming to you as if they are clients. That is what I propose to member of the ministry and we are working toward it.”

“In area of industrialization, there is actually a document prepared under the previous government called Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan; it’s a good policy that needs to be implemented. This will help us move from mere talk to action.”

BoI accredits 11 partners to implement YES scheme among others.

By Providence Obuh

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HE Bank of Industry (BoI) has accredited eleven Enterprise Development Centres and capacity building consultants to implement the bank’s Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) Programme.

The partners include Pan-Atlantic University Enterprise Development Centre, Leap Africa, After School Graduate Development Centre, Fate Foundation and African Community Bridge Foundation,

Speaking during the Memorandum of Understating signing Ceremony in Lagos, the Acting Managing Director of the BoI, Mr. Waheed Olagunju, said that the scheme was an initiative to address youth unemployment in the country.

The partners would be supporting in technical skills and training in partnership with the various technical training and vocational institutions in the country.

Olagunju said that the scheme,

apart from funding business plans, would build the capacity of youths by equipping them with required entrepreneurial knowledge and that the acquired skills would help them to be self-employed towards managing their businesses.

Some of the objective of the scheme is to act as an incubation centre where business ideas would be nurtured to full potential; deepen financial inclusion by derisking aspiring entrepreneurs and making them eligible for small business loans.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016 —27

u UN/Erelu Abiola Dosunm e b to n e m o w s e g ra u o c n e s in charge of their fortune

barriers to the achievement of gender equality in their countries. On Int’l Women’s Day, we reiterate the greater participation of women as one of the necessary conditions for an inclusive Agenda 2030. Their leadership is insufficiently Sustainable Development.

BY ANINO AGANBI recognized but must merge The new Agenda’s with greater participation in Sustainable goals include a igerian Institute of decision making bodies. specific goal to achieve International Affairs in Erelu Abiola Dosunmu gender equality, which aims partnership with the United stated that “We come here to end discrimination and Nations Information Centre, every year calculating and violence against women and Lagos celebrated the cataloguing our problems girls and ensure equal International women’s day 2016 and issues but not the participation and with the aim of bringing solutions opportunities in all spheres of solutions. We know what the to the table. Although the problems are. We need to life.

Government was encouraged to rise up to the occasion and She further stated that “ In do more for women and children, conjunction with the adoption find solutions. The solutions women generally were tasked are within us. We have to of the 2030 Agenda, more with looking inwards and making empower ourselves to be in than 90 governments have a stand for themselves. charge of our own fortunes answered UN Women’s call Speaking at the event, UN and the only way we can do for action to “Step It Up for Executive Director, Phumzile that is if we trust that person Gender Equality” heads of Mlambo Ngcuka stated that “This and get others to trust us States and Government have year’s celebration of international but we must first trust pledged concrete and women’s day is the first within ourselves as individuals. measurable actions to crack the new 2030 Agenda for Then, we will begin to solve some of the fundamental the problems of women empowerment in this country. The moment you solve the problems of the women, you solve the problems of the world. Women should start building trust within their environment. Let your people know you for your word and trust you. When they trust you, they will empower you to be in charge of Welcoming the Chairperson of the Occasion, HRH Erelu Abiola Dosumu governance.

5

Foods that prevent Breast Cancer WALNUTS

Experts think walnuts’ antiinflammatory properties—which could come from the omega-3 fat alphalinolenic acid, phytosterols or antioxidants—may give them their tumor-fighting potential.

N

MasterCard and UN Women:

A special announcement A

S part of activities marking this year’s International Women’s Day, MasterCard and UN Women have announced a partnership geared towards providing half a million Nigerian women with ID cards enabled with electronic payment functionality.

The pilot programme is specifically designed to address the problem of personal identification presently faced by nearly 2.4 billion people worldwide, majority of whom are women.

This is coming on the heels of a recent World Bank Report which revealed that 70 percent of women in Africa, and 47 percent worldwide, have no access to formal financial services, compared to 51 percent of men.

“Lack of identity is a critical barrier for women seeking to do something as simple as vote, own property or open an account to receive or send money. The

partnership with MasterCard will help pave the way to economic freedom and financial inclusion for women in Nigeria,” said Lakshmi Puri, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General Deputy Executive Director.

“Our partnership with UN Women is the result of a shared vision of a world where women are empowered to achieve their true potential,” said Omokehinde Ojomuyide, MasterCard Vice President and Area Business Head, West Africa, who reaffirmed the company’s commitment towards a Planet 50/50 devoid of inequality.

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. In doing so, UN Member States took an historic step in

accelerating the Organization’s goals on gender equality and the empowerment of women.

The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, which focused exclusively on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Mastercard is a technology company in the global payments industry operating the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories.

BEANS

Upping your fiber intake may help lower your risk of breast cancer—and the more you eat, the more your risk decreases.

The researchers found that for every 10 grams of fiber a woman added to her daily diet, her risk of breast cancer decreased by 7 percent. That’s about a 1/2 to one cup of beans, depending on the variety. Other foods packed with fiber include barley, bulgur, lentils, peas, artichokes, dates and raspberries

SALMON

Taking fish-oil supplements for at least 10 years can shrink your risk of ductal carcinoma, the most common type of breast cancer. It’s thought that the omega-3 fats in fish oil reduce inflammation, which may contribute to breast cancer.

GARLIC

Rich source of cancer-fighting compound called allium, garlic and its relatives (onion, leeks, scallions, and chives) are shown to slow tumour growth and prevent breast cancer risk among other forms of cancer such as colorectal and prostate cancers. Garlic and onions are found in a variety of foods including Italian, Spanish, Indian, Thai and Chinese dishes.

Crush or swallow a piece of garlic every morning and that’s all it takes to live a cancer-free life!

PUMPKIN

Orange or yellow coloured fruit and vegetables are a rich source of betacarotene - which is the precursor of vitamin A and a potent antioxidant which helps fight off highly-reactive molecules that can harm our body and lead to severe diseases such as breast cancer.

L – R: Adji Fatou Ndiaye, Deputy Country Representative, United Nations; Omokehinde Ojomuyide, Vice President and Area Business Head, West Africa, Mastercard and Mrs. Titilola Ejiofor, Lagos State Coordinator, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), during the announcement of the partnership between Mastercard and UN Women to mark the International Women in Lagos, recently.

28—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016

BY JOSEPHINE AGBONKHESE

With the UN Women Deputy Country Representative for Nigeria and the ECOWAS, Mrs Adjaratou Fatou Ndiaye and others

‘Say No to Rape’ . Rape walk organized by Mirabel Centre, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team and Motherhood Magazine on Broad Street and Marina.

IWD 2016.

Representative of the Wife of the Lagos State Governor & Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare (middle), cutting the tape, being supported by the Managing Director, Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), Mrs. Abimbola Jijoho-Ogun (left); Permanent Secretary & Tutor-General of Education District VI, Mrs. Amidat Anifowoshe (2nd left); former Managing Director, LASPARK, Dr. (Mrs.) Titi Anibaba (2nd right) and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Mr. Toyin Onisarotu, during the commissioning and handing over of 10 Children’s convenience donated by the Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Alausa, Ikeja.

The newly built, commissioned and handed over 10 Children's convenience by the Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Only 4% reports on women advocates gender balance — JFC report

By Providence Obuh

O

NLY four percent of media reports on women are centred around gender balance, according to media monitoring report on the portrayal and reportage of women and girls right issues.

The report titled: “Mainstreaming Gender Reporting on Affirmative Action of Women and Girls Rights Issues” is a key finding by the Journalist For Christ (JFC) a faith based NGO and it also covers the outcome of an extensive survey and a one month media monitoring report by six Nigeria national newspapers in the month of May 2015.

The purpose of the project is to engage the Nigerian media to mainstream women’s rights issues in media reportage in order to advance and build public understanding.

Meanwhile, a summary of the report shows that out of

1031 reports on women and girls right, there were only 40 reports that advocated gender balance invariably representing four percent of that figure.

Further findings shows that though newspapers generally gave special space profiling the achievements of women across the six newspapers, but the contents of this special coverage did not necessarily translate to reports that advocated gender balance.

For space allocated to stories per specific subject issues, it was observed that though the pages were focused on women, the issues discussed were however not limited to women and were not specifically to address the issues of denials and discrimination faced by women just as rural reporting on women and girls issues was low compared to state and level reportage, where

rural issues represented 8.4 percent, state and national issues represented 30 and 40 percent respectively.

The report pointed out that the editors of the newspaper realise that there is the need to give more space to report

There are several women who are contributing meaningfully to commerce and other developmental issues in the society

about activities of women by profiling them in special interview and features pages, however, in as much as this portends greater media visibility for women, the attention is still highly elitist driven and does not necessarily address the challenges of social inequalities faced by women.

Further to that is the fact that the profiling of women in special reports have not only become the obsession of reporters but also a marketing plan tool, “Women are still the selling points, especially as subjects of entertainment and lifestyle related issues. This approach needs to be deemphasized.”

The report recommends that while it is important to talk and report women who have national presence, there is also the need for the media and journalists to look at women in the rural areas, in

addition, media owners should help articulate the challenges facing women in an unbiased way; while reporting cases of rape and abuse is important they go a step further in looking at justice system and intimating the public with the outcomes of criminal proceeding against perpetrators of violence against women.

“There are several women who are contributing meaningfully to commerce and other developmental issues in the society. Media owners should as a matter of urgency showcase these women more, rather than limit reporting about women to entertainment and lifestyle.”

However, Executive Director, Media Concern Initiative-for Women and Children (MEDIACON) Dr. Princess Olufemi-Kayode, said that there is a need for national conference on sexual violence.

She said this while delivering a paper titled: “Issues on the Rights of Girls and Women; Perspectives and Issues from the Angle of Sexual Abuse.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016—29

Open Letter to President Buhari/Osinbajo: Re: Devaluation of the Naira which means that when

By Senator Bode Olowoporoku

T

HE controversy as to whether to devalue the naira or not has taken the centre stage in the national discourse. One can pardon illiterates in economics especially primitive accumulators who are shouting for further devaluation of the naira. But when some professors of Economics and Ex CBN Governor and IMF have joined the chorus to continue to devalue the naira, then, something serious is amiss. The single reason they all gave is because the rate of Naira in the parallel market has worsened.

In the first place, Nigerians must know that the Dollar is not a legal tender in Nigeria. Only the Naira is our legal tender which facilitates the exchange of goods and services among Nigerian citizenry.

I beat my chest that my former students who are now professors of Economics who went through my courses on theories and strategies of Economic Development at Ife can never make the mistake of joining the neoclassical scholars on this fundamental issue which is central to the economic developments of Nigeria.

The history of nations that have developed shows that nations during their development process concentrated on the internal organization of productive sector and not the exchange of their national currencies against any foreign currencies.

National legal tender It was only during the gold standard that every country was legally compelled to relate their currencies to the value of gold which was like a legal tender in all countries. But since it was discovered that the expansion of different economies was put in strait jacket by gold standard and so it was abandoned.

Every country was allowed to have its national legal tender and therefore no compulsion or pressure to fix any national currency to any external currency.

Thus when Japan embarked on its historic strategic economic development, the Japanese Yen was about 1,000 to the Dollar.

Today it is 112.86 to the dollar.

It is the growing strength of the Japanese economy that has moved its currency to its present exchange rate level.

Japan was not under pressure to devalue its currency, it ignored all external rates of the Yen and concentrated on increasing its productivity and productive capacity. China also ignored any exchange rate, devised visible

and invisible walls round its economy in complete autarky.

The Yuan that was unknown some years ago is now gradually becoming international currency.

In fact, most big countries that have attained meaningful economic development, used autarky or semi-closed economy as strategic device during their infant years on the race to accomplish fundamental economic development. What is important is development.

Countries which have developed models and strategies of economic Development have no time to be panicking about the exchange rate of their national currency to any other foreign currency. The concentration is on expanding the productivity and productive capacity of their country.

It is the primitive accumulators coupled with neoclassical esoteric scholars that want to derail President Buhari from concentrating on how to get Nigeria started on the path to fast-track the development of Nigeria. Therefore, President Buhari is right for insisting that the Naira will not be officially devalued any further.

It has been devalued twice or thrice from N150 to the dollar to its present official rate of N196 to the dollar. Despite this, the rate

However, government spending alone is insufficient to bridge the infrastructure gap and there is a need to embrace private capital to provide additional impact

at the parallel or black market widens. It is above N300 to the dollar now. If the Government should start running after closing the gap between parallel market, it will develop into run away rate and this will be a disaster because the naira will soon become an object of rejection.

It is the enemies of government who want to drive the government into the no end devaluation of disaster. I wish Buhari were a military Head of State so as to have power to ban the parallel market and let us see those who are used to Dollar as their own Legal tender who will run away from this country.

Strategic institutions It was a shame that Jonathan as President of Nigeria resorted to the use of dollar to the extent that Dollar became the legal tender in the Villa which made dollar to become the legal tender in the strategic institutions of Nigeria. In fact State Governors then opted that their monthly allocation should be in dollars, what a disaster that the regime inflicted on Nigeria. We are now reaping the agonizing fruits of the locust years of misrule of Nigeria.

Those who are crying hoarse are thiefs, money launderers and other primitive accumulators who trade only in money and not in goods and factors of production.

The most critical importance of foreign exchange is the effect on the external balance of trade/ balance of payment.

The bigger the deficit in balance of trade the greater the problem of the Country. Therefore the important countries of the World used all methods at their disposal to restrict imports and encourage exports so as to ensure favourable balance of trade which would also enhance productivity and employments.

Some closed their economy completely in what is called autarky. Japan, China and Britain etc used autarky to curb imports and developed exports behind protective walls.

If we devalue the Naira, the benefit should be to reduce import and increase export. But

devaluation makes foreign goods more expensive, this does not reduce the Nigerians demands for the goods.

Therefore why should an enlightened Nigerian be excited that Nigeria will bleed on all fronts if we continue to devalue.

The reason some people advance is because of round tripping by banks. It is a pity that President Buhari has not yet put radical economic revolutionary policies in place.

Why must the CBN continue to distribute US Dollars monthly or weekly? Is that how Malaysia, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore, Turkey etc allocate Dollars weekly or monthly? It is this allocation that breeds corruption which destroys and distorts the productive apparatus of Nigeria economy.

As part of President Buhari’s economic policy, let a Commission be put in place with a mandate to diversify, increase the industrial capacity of Nigeria. A list of industries that can directly manifest the mission statement of the Commission be put in place.

The dollar allocation should go to such industries and under the watchful eyes of the Security Agencies. Part of the dollar earned from oil should be used to boost our foreign reserve. Any other establishment that cannot operate within the confine of Nigeria development goals and targets can ship out.

Shackles of underdevelopment Those industries that have large employment absorptive capacity, and or export orientation must be adequately catered for in the allocation of the dollar whose value to naira will be determined to deliver the political economy of Nigeria from the shackles of underdevelopment. The only vacuum in President Buhari policy is that he has not unfolded meaningful economic policy vision that can refocus the psyche of Nigerians to an inevitable future that is full of reaping the benefits of the sacrifice being made now.

Buhari cannot rule in a visionless vacuum. He needs economic vision which can get the citizenry to fast-track the development of Nigeria.

National Conference cannot fix this for President Buhari.

Economic Development is not costless, it has pains incorporated. But if the Government unfolds an Economic Policy that can make Nigeria know that soon, it will be comfort and happiness, Nigerians are willing to sacrifice.

Only the elitist primitive accumulators who have stolen Nigerian wealth in a big way can almost go to war because Nigerians are being asked to

Send your reactions to: news@vanguardngr.com

sacrifice. They are the enemies who inflict injuries on the common man. If President Buhari must be the Messiah as countries which have developed have their messiahs at critical period of their development, therefore President Buhari must engage knowledgeable Nigerians to draw up economic development programme. The Budget is just a fiscal layout of revenue and expenditure of government. It is at best an exercise in infrastructural guide of the nation.

What we are talking in Economic Development is an integrated holistic program of total mobilization of the citizenry and remodeling their psyche to diversify and increase the production and productivity of the entire citizenry. To achieve this, all the Nigerian economy must be organized on Systemic Models, sector by sector with different academies that will outreach all programmes into the entire citizenry.

Empirical policy Economic Development is not an esoteric theme of the neoclassical theory rather it is an empirical policy drawing and blending from similar historic and recent successful experiments.

President Buhari must sit down and act fast so that detractors and scholars of neoclassical theory (which IMF represents) do not overwhelm him into permanent derailment. Because oil price dropped, therefore major source of dollar accumulation dropped and the value of naira to dollar inevitably dropped therefore some well placed Nigerians shout that there is economic crisis.

But if there is shortage of water, cassava, yams, maize, there is no talk of economic crisis.

The total foreign sector of Nigeria that must use Dollar as their Legal tender is not more than 15% (or less) of the Nigerian economy. It is in the interest of long run development of Nigeria to reduce the 15% for now until Nigerian Economy has grown the structures and capacity to export and compete in the World Market as Japan, China, India etc has done and as Britain did when it was trying to industrialize.

It is not in the interest of Nigeria to leave gold standard and move to dollar standard.

Lastly, I want to feel that it is not because of dollar crisis that an Economic National Conference is being called. This cannot be the alternative solution.

The only solution to grow the Nigerian economy and it is the duty of Government to put in place economic programs that can expand the domestic economy of Nigeria. Experts in Economic Development must be called to bear the task. * Senator Dr. Bode Olowoporoku (Ph.D Econ, Manchester), former University of Ife Lecturer in Economic Development, Former Commissioner for Economic Planning and Statistics, Ondo State, Former Federal Minister

30 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016

Saraki’s appeal, even as it okayed his prosecution before the CCT. The apex court which said it was satisfied that the Senate President has a case to answer before the tribunal, affirmed an earlier verdict of the Court of Appeal in Abuja which on October 30, 2015, gave federal government the nod to open its case against Saraki.

However, Justice Abdul Kafarati of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has slated March 22 to deliver judgement on a fresh suit that Saraki filed with a view to disqualifying Justice Umar from handling his trial.

Saraki had in the suit contended that Justice Umar was not fit to try him considering that the judge also has a criminal allegation hanging on his neck.

He told the court that Justice Umar was being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over allegations bordering on corruption.

Saraki said he would not be accorded fair-hearing by the tribunal, alleging that the charge pending against him before the CCT was instigated by the anti-graft agency.

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

T

HE Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, will tomorrow, return to the dock to face the 13-count corruption charge the federal government preferred against him before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, sitting in Abuja.

FG is expected to open its case against the defendant on Friday, precisely 170 days after he was arraigned before the Justice Danladi Umar-led tribunal.

Already, the prosecution, led

by Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, has line-up eight witnesses that will testify against Saraki before the CCT, among whom are the detectives that investigated four assets declaration forms the defendant submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB. Those expected to mount the witness box to give evidence that could make or mar the embattled Senate President are: Yahaya Bello, Michael Wetkas, Mustapha Abubakar Musa, Nura Ali Bako, Adamu Garba, Samuel Madojemu, Abdulrahaman Bayo Dauda and Nwachukwu Amazu.

Anticipatory declaration of assets Saraki who was a two-term governor of Kwara State between May 2003 and May 2011, was in the charge before the CCT, marked ABT/01/15 and dated September 11, 2015, accused of breaching section 2 of the CCB and Tribunal Act, an offence punishable under section 23(2) of the Act and paragraph 9 of the said Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Aside allegation that he falsely declared his assets, as well as, made anticipatory declaration of assets, Saraki, was also alleged to have operated foreign bank accounts while in office as a public officer.

He was alleged to have acquired assets beyond his legitimate earnings.

Federal government, among other offences, alleged that Saraki claimed he owned and acquired No 15A and 15B Mc Donald, Ikoyi, Lagos, through his company, Carlisle Properties Limited in 2000, when the said property was actually sold by the Implementation Committee of the Federal Government landed properties in 2006 to his companies, Tiny Tee Limited and Vitti Oil Limited for the aggregate sum of N396, 150, 000, 00.

He was alleged to have made false declaration on or about June 3, 2011, by refusing to declare plot 2A Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, which he

•Dr. Bukola Saraki

•Justice Danladi Umar

Alleged false declaration of assets:

Saraki trial: How far can CCT go? acquired between 2007 and 2008 through his company from the Central Bank of Nigeria for a total sum of N325, 000, 000, 00. Saraki was said to have refused to declare No1 Tagnus street, Maitama, Abuja, which he claimed to have

Saraki said he would not be accorded fairhearing by the tribunal, alleging that the charge pending against him before the CCT was instigated by the anti-graft agency

acquired in November 1996 from one David Baba Akawu.

Some of his alleged offences while in office as governor, which are said to be punishable under section 15(1) and (2) of the CCB and Tribunal Act, Cap C15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, were allegedly committed between October 2006 and May 2007.His actions were classified as a gross violation of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.

Saraki had on September 22, 2015, pleaded not guilty to the charge which he said was incompetent and ought to be quashed.

Refusal of the Justice Umarled CCT panel to hands-off the trial resulted to Saraki’s lawyers staging a walk-out on the tribunal on November 5, 2015, after they accused the panel of engaging in acts of

“judicial rascality”.

The defence team had wanted the tribunal to suspend the trial and allow the Supreme Court to pronounce on the competence of the proceeding.

Seven-man panel of Justices Though the CCT declined to stay proceeding on the matter, on November 12, 2015, a Supreme Court panel headed

by Justice John Fabiyi (now retired), directed the tribunal to “tarry for a while” to enable it to look into Saraki’s appeal.

The Justice Fabiyi-led panel was subsequently disbanded, even as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, took over the case and reconstituted a seven-man panel of Justices of the apex court that heard the appeal.

Meantime, in a unanimous judgment on February 5, 2016, the Supreme Court dismissed

Responsibility of the CCB He argued that Justice Umar, in a bid to save himself from prosecution, would dance to the tune of the EFCC which he said usurped the responsibility of the CCB by recommending his trial for an offence that was allegedly committed years back.

He therefore sought an order nullifying the charge and the proceedings of the CCT on the grounds that they allegedly fell short of the requirements of Article 3 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.

The respondents to the suit include the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices (and related offences) Commission and the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr. Solomon A r a s e .

Others are the CCB, the CCT, its Chairman, Justice Umar, the second member of the CCT panel, Mr. Ataedzeagu Adza; CCB chairman, Mr. Sam Saba; Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Diri; and a Deputy Director in the ministry, Mr. Muslim Hassan (now a judge of the Federal High Court).

FG had since challenged the competence of the suit which it said ought to be dismissed for want of merit.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016 — 31

Requiem for James Ocholi, SAN

By Awa Kalu, SAN

T

HE peace of the nation was shattered on that fateful Sunday (6-3-16) when the news of the death of James Ocholi, SAN, including his wife and son, in a ghastly motor accident filtered through the internet – the super engine that speeds up all kinds of news, good and bad.

In most circumstances, bad news travels faster than the good one. I remember that that fateful Sunday was for all faithful believers in the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, a day dedicated to honouring mothers – Mothering Sunday. Alas, that was the kind of day on which death lurked around the Ocholis and struck our friend and colleague, his dear wife and son on their way from Kaduna to Abuja.

Had that tragedy not happened, late Blessing Ocholi would like most women, have received sweet messages wishing her well as a mother of five lovely children. By a twist of fate, four of her children are presently receiving condolence visits and messages from all and sundry, including people that they do not know.

Voltaire, the French writer and philosopher (1694 -1778) in Oxford Book of Death (D.J. Enright), offered that “the human race is the only one that knows it must die and it knows this only through its experience. A child brought up alone and transported to a desert island would have no more idea of death than a cat or a plant”. Indeed, experience as they say, is the best teacher and so the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) has been recently visited by that surreptitious and clandestine mystery called death. Professors Adesanya and M. I. Jegede, Dr. I.N. Ijioma, Chief Amaechi

The late James Ocholi Nwaiwu, and a host of other illustrious Senior Advocates of Nigeria have bitten the dust in the past two or three years.

Body of Senior Advocates Even then, two very eminent Senior Advocates revered and liked by their colleagues, within recent memory, had their beloved wives snatched by the cold hands of death! As if that was not sufficiently audacious, death contrived to swoop down on the camp of the Ocholis, taking at once, father, mother and son.

I believe that this is probably the first time the Body of Senior Advocates is facing a calamity of such monumental proportions. Is this then why Jean – Jacques Rousseau expressed the very strong and unequivocal view that “He who pretends to look on death without fear lies. All men are afraid of dying, this is the great law of sentient beings, without

which the entire human species would soon be destroyed”.

This piece is about James Enojo Ocholi SAN, born on the 26th November, 1960 in Idah presently in Kogi State. He received his pre-primary school education in Qua – Iboe preprimary school, Idah between 1965 and 1967 from which he proceeded to the Anglican Primary School, Dekina from 1968 – 1967.

His secondary school education was concluded at the Ochoja Secondary School (a missionary school) in 1978. His advanced level secondary education was at the School of Basic Studies at Ugbokolo. For his tertiary education, he was at the University of Jos, from which he graduated in 1985. He was admitted to practice law in Nigeria, upon completing a stint at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, in 1986, and for which reason he had been in the embrace of the legal profession

for thirty years before his career was cut short by the tragic event of Sunday, the 6th March, 2016.

He reached the summit of his career and at the Bar in the year 2007 when he earned a preferment as a Notary Public on the 1st of May and was then sworn in as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria on the 12th December of the same year.

The career trajectory of the late James Ocholi SAN will be better appreciated when special attention is paid to the very significant milestones. The most uplifting and elevating part of the life story of late James Ocholi, SAN is that his sojourn typifies the motto: “Be what you can be” or in the mantra of the sports marketing giant, NIKE, “Just do it”. Behold, only in 1978, he was an Auxiliary Teacher at the Dekina LGEA Primary School, but had by 2015, become a Minister of State in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In between, he had contested twice for the position of Governor in Kogi State under the platform of the Congress for Progressive

He was not known for flamboyance of the ‘African Big Man’.

James Ocholi was James down to earth, humane and affable exuding at all times the confidence of those who believe in God Almighty

Senate cannot suspend implementation of amended MYTO — NBA SBL

I

T has been extensively re ported in the print and electronic media that the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (“the Senate) has ordered the suspension of the implementation of the amended Multi-Year Tariff Order 2.1 of 2015 (“Amended MYTO 2.1) which was issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (“NERC) pursuant to the Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005 (“the EPSRA) and which became effective on February 1, 2016.

It is in the light of these uncontroverted reports that the Nigeria Bar Association (“the NBA) in a Communiqu issued after the meeting of its National Executive Committee (“NEC) held in Jos, Plateau State on Thursday the 18th of February 2016, stated inter-alia as follows: 3.3 ELECTRICITY PRICING CONTROVERSY NEC noted the current controversy on electricity pricing and the resolution of the Senate directing

NERC to suspend any proposed increase in the electricity tariffs.

NEC urged all concerned parties to amicably resolve the controversy in the interest of all Nigerians.

The rights of electricity consumers to a fair and reasonable tariff mechanism and the rights of Investors in the Power Sector as determined by our extant laws must be protected at all times. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria recognizes the principle of separation of powers and assigns different functions and powers to the different arms of government the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary.

Under our Constitution, the Senate does not have the power to suspend or reverse the implementation of regulatory actions.

Whilst it may investigate such regulatory actions, it may only do so in order to make or correct laws or to expose corruption.

The power to check regulatory or executive action lies with the

Judiciary and this power may be validly exercised where it is established that an agency has acted outside of the powers granted under its enabling legislation or has not followed the procedure required prior to carrying out such an action.

Dangerous signal Consequently, the purported suspension or reversal of the Amended MYTO 2.1 has no legal basis and therefore constitutes a usurpation of the functions of the judicial arm of government.

In addition to the violation of the above mentioned legal principles, equally disconcerting is the dangerous signal that this purported action of the Senate sends to current and potential investors in the Nigerian economy. The NERC was conceptualized and established as an independent regulator that would be

immune and insulated from interference by consumers, investors and government.

While NERC, like all other government agencies, is expected to function within the ambits of our laws it is however critical, for its credibility and effectiveness, that in the regulation of the Nigerian power sector, it has effective and demonstrable independence in order to make the necessary decisions with respect to its mandate.

We therefore consider the action of the Senate, whether or not intended as a palliative, as being most unacceptable as this will unfortunately suggest to the international and local investing community that Nigeria is not committed to upholding the principles of effective regulation which will in turn result in a concomitant slump in the country’s risk ratings particularly with regard to change in law defaults.

Change (CPC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was the Deputy National Legal Adviser of the APC and the state coordinator of the Buhari/ Osinbajo Presidential Campaign Organization.

He served as member of the Commission of Inquiry into the inter – ethnic clashes at the Kogi Polytechnic, Lokoja in 2001 as well as the Secretary of the Kogi State Contract and Appointment Review Panel, in 1999. As far back as 1999, he had served as a member of the Steering Committee of the Family Support Programme (FSP) in Kogi State.

When Kogi State was created, the late legal luminary served as the first Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association in that State. His multi – faceted talents led to his installation as the Pro – chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council Salem University, Lokoja and in terms of his interest in ensuring discipline within the legal profession, he also served as the Chairman Disciplinary Committee of the NBA, Federal Capital Territory, between 2009 and 2010.

Just rewards and honour In the manifestation of his faith, he had assumed the status of National Secretary of the Full Gospel Business Mens F e l l o w s h i p International,(FGBFI), a position he held until his death. To avoid verbosity, it would seem just to note that late James Ocholi led an active Christian and professional life for which he received his just rewards and honour.

How many people have been able to pull themselves up by their boot straps? How many godfathers can crawl out of the woodworks and beat their mighty chests, appropriating for themselves the honour, and glory and adoration that ought to go to our God Almighty, the author and finisher of James Ocholi’s life? There is “no killing the Beetle” as the adage goes and James was indeed the proverbial Beetle. He toiled and earned the success which came to him from his political life.

There is a list of serious lawyers who ventured into politics and faltered and in some cases faded. Happily, James Ocholi demonstrated that “life is nothing but the courage you bring to bear on it”. He was a lesson in humility. As a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he did not embellish his life in the uppity Neighbourhood of Asokoro and Maitama. He was content in Kado Estate.

He was not known for flamboyance of the ‘African Big Man’. James Ocholi was James down to earth, humane and affable exuding at all times the confidence of those who believe in God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. Our friend and colleague is no more.

32— Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

ARIES; Partnership related issues are becoming more important and if you try to sweep anything under carpet now, it’ll back-fire sooner than expected. Take your love life more seriously than before.

TAURUS; Hard work will not go unrewarded if not today very soon. Important development coming through your working arena soonest will place you at advantage position. The more practical you are the better.

GEMINI; Love, romance and sentimental things can not be ignored completely today unless you want your concentration to waver .Be more enterprising in the business world Anyway success indicated for you today..

CANCER; Happenings within your base of operation (both at home and at work) must be taken more seriously now, more especially as there’ll be competition

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

Rsted

ECENTLY, a journalist acme and co wanted to know from me what my expectation is concerning the new government. My answer simply is:

Limiting Your Expectation I expect nothing special. Before you crucify me, let me ask you. Haven’t we been having new governments

TERROR MUDA

in Nigeria? Government come and go but our problems don’t just remain, they get bigger and bigger.

in “Scavenger Elite”

Over the years, I have learned not to expect much from government as well as individuals. My policy is: blessed is he that expects nothing for he shall not be disappointed.

By Lanre Kehinde

LEO; Both your mood and element of luck may not be as friendly as you’ll like.. Matters of the heart may top priority lists of some of you. But mind you your mood will change tomorrow.

VIRGO; If financial success is your priority you’ll need to redouble your efforts today and tomorrow.

Be protective of your possessions and personal family.

LIBRA; The Moon gives you the needed opportunity to assert yourself to the admiration of other people. You can make it a romantic day. Experiment with your personal ideas.

SCORPIO; Here is your day when element of luck will work favourably for you. Secret lovers are in for an exciting and memorable day. Keep your secrets please.

SAGITTARIUS; If you wait till tomorrow before you make an important move ,you may be disappointed , because tomorrow’s influence will bring you more challenges than you can rightly anticipate now. But greater success indicated for you today.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in “HEY’

By Andy Akman

CAPRICORN; Very soon there’ll be important development along your career line. But today will offer you best of opportunity and good luck to achieve your desired results. Be more ambitious now AQUARIUS; Here is a loving day for those of you willing to give priority attention to matters of the heart. Planning for both immediate and far future’ll not be out of place. And it’s good to think money.

PISCES: This is the wrong time to gamble either with your physical cash or your source of income.

Take nobody for granted. Take love more seriously.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat tr ological datee and place of bir th ttoo the As Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

What’s my best colour?

Dear Joshua, I want your in-depth analysis and tell me about my social life, luck and the time I am likely to have my much desired break-through in life. Which day of the week was I born. And importantly what is my best colour?

Anonymous Nigeria.

Dear Anonymous, You were born on a Saturday. What you will find here-under will answer your questions. Social life will always bring you attention good luck envy opposition and possibly fame. Aquarius and Leo are two most active social Star signs. And you will notice that your natal Venus in Taurus, Moon in Aquarius and Uranus in Leo formed T-Square aspects putting Venus as point-focus, meaning that the best way for you not to be constant loser in the social world is to always study situation practically and know that your finance will not suffer (if it can not be beneficiary) from the setting before taking responsibility.

As for influential friends you will have them but never always take them for granted.

Yes you can be a self made man but it is indicated that there will be times when both human and divine assistance will lift you up. You will have more to gain by your being spiritual .Saturday born people are favoured by BLACK and golden colours.

Sudden SUCCESS will come your way during your 44th year on earth and will serve as a break-through year you can build great foundation of endless success on. But the same 44th year will bring love related challenges you must manage with all maturity or else it will linger till after your 46th year on earth.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016—33

A-Court orders Edo Assembly Speaker to swear in Eruaga

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—THE Court of Appeal sitting in Benin, Edo State, has ordered the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Victor Edobor, to immediately swear in Mr. Sylvanus Eruaga, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as a member representing Etsako West 11 constituency in the state legislature or be guilty of contempt of the court and liable to be committed to prison.

It will be recalled that the appellate court in its judgment on December 19, 2015, in the appeal

by Mr. Eruaga against the judgment of the lower tribunal, declared him the winner of the state House of Assembly election held on April 11, 2015.

It then directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to withdraw the certificate of return it earlier issued to Dr. Yakubu Marughu, of All Progressives Congress, APC, who was declared winner of the election and issued the appellant a certificate of return.

In Form 48 titled “notice of consequences of disobedience of court order,” filed against the Speaker and the Clerk of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Lawson Ugiabe stated: “Take

notice that unless you obey the directions contained in the judgment/order of this court dated December 19, 2015 (enrolled order attached) by swearing in the appellant/ judgment creditor as the member to represent Etsako West Constituency 11 in the Edo

State House of Assembly, you will be guilty of contempt of this court and will be liable to be committed to prison.”

The appellate court after listening to counsel to Mr. Eruaga, Mr. Dele Igbinedion, in a motion ex-parte, also ordered the bailiff of the court

to serve the Form 48 and all other processes pursuant thereto, including the subsequent Form 49, on the Speaker and the Clerk of Edo State House of Assembly by substituted means, to wit: “by publication of the said form in a newspaper with nationwide circulation.”

VISIT: President of the Association of Heads of Personnel Management and Treasurers to Local Government, Comrade Monday Agbeyi (right), presenting a letter to Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa following the governor's appointment of one of their own as permanent secretary in the state during a visit at Government House, Asaba.

Why we flogged protesting women in Delta —Army Unit Commander

By Perez Brisibe

E

KU—THE Nigerian Army Unit Commander stationed at Ovre-Eku community, Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State, Lt. E. D. Oworobo, has told a police source that the reason he ordered his men to flog the women who had embarked on a peaceful protest over a disputed land claimed by PRESCO Oil Company, was because they attempted to disarm his men.

Oworobo and his men of the 4th Brigade Command, Benin-City, Edo State, had last Wednesday, flogged and kicked hundreds of women protesting at Ovre-Eku (Iwevbo) community over a land which had been in dispute for years between Edo and Delta states.

The source who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that Oworobo had contacted the District Officer, DO, of Eku Police station, Mr. Andrew Efejedia, in an attempt to exonerate himself and his men of any wrong doing in the incident, where he claimed that he had no option than to order his men to use minimal force to disperse the protesters who had tried to disarm his men.

According to the source, Oworobo had asked the DO, “Don’t you know it is a crime to

carry a charm according to the Criminal Code of Nigeria?”

Meanwhile, Lt. Oworobo has also threatened to deal with the Warri correspondents of The Authority and The Nation newspapers, Theophilus Onojeghen and Bolaji

Ogundele, both of whom had contacted him to know what actually transpired between his men and the protesting women.

The offence of the journalists was their temerity to contact him for the military’s side of the incident.

In separate reactions to the

journalists, an angry Lt Oworobo had described them as idiots and madmen, allegedly saying: “You’re an idiot. You’re a madman. Why are you calling me?

So I should report to you abi?

Who are you to call me? If you ever call me in your life, I’ll deal mercilessly with you.”

UNIBEN Alumni Association holds 86th National Council meeting March 18-16 dinner and awards ceremony at

T

HE University of Benin Alumni Association, UBAA, Lagos branch, will host the 86th National Council meeting of the association (worldwide) and awards ceremony between March 18 and 20, to be graced by all national officers and branch chairmen worldwide, led by the President worldwide, Sir Ifaluyi Isibor.

Also expected to attend are the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Faraday Orumwese and his management team.

As part of the activities for the event, courtesy visits are planned to the Secretary of the Lagos State Council of Obas, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabiru Gbeto (Ilufemiloye) Adeola III, the Osolo of Isolo Kingdom and Head of Okota Royal Family as well as Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on

March 18, 2016.

The Council session proper will hold at Convergence Hotel, Acme Road, Ikeja, Lagos on March 19, 2016 during which all items on the agenda will be thoroughly discussed and a communiqué issued.

This will be followed with a

the Sheraton Lagos Hotels and Tower, Ikeja under the chairmanship of Chief Charles Edosomwan, SAN, the Obasuyi of Benin Kingdom, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State and the first SAN from the University of Benin.

Nigerian civil war veterans submit nominal role of members to Senate

By Simon Adewale

T

HE leadership of veteran soldiers of the 1967-1970 Nigerian Civil War, under the aegis of Care First for the Aged Welfare Development Association, CFAWDA, has drawn the attention of the Senate president, Senator Olusola Saraki and members of the National Assembly to their plight.

The national chairman of the

veterans, Mr. Ubi Ikoi, who spoke in Abuja when the body submitted the nominal roll of its living members to the Senate president, said: “The nominal roll of our members now with the Senate is to enable the National Assembly especially those representing the South East states who fought during the civil war to be acquainted with the untold hardship of the members of the group.”

Activist urges EFCC to probe Delta LG

By Tare Youdeowei

N

IGER Delta activist and Chairman of Warri South West Monitoring Group, WSWMG, Ebiwei Loye, has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to beam its search light on the activities of the Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

He also wants the Chairman of the council, Mr George Ekpemukpolo, to be made to give account of his stewardship particularly during his first tenure.

He said: “We want the Chairman of Warri South West council, Ekpemukpolo, to give the people an account of his activities in office since the council affair is not a personal business and the leadership of the council should know that he is holding the position in trust for the people.”

Imploring the council boss to give proper account to those who elected him, the group said; “The time has come for the EFCC to investigate the activities of Warri South West council. It is our right to know how our council is run."

Bomadi councillors move to impeach LG boss

By Onozure Dania

B

OMADI—THE legislative arm of Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State, has served an impeachment notice on the council Chairman, Chief Oluwale Karetimi, over alleged financial impropriety and breach of provisions of the local government law.

Thirteen out of 18 councillors who signed the resolution recommended to the state House of Assembly to empower them to act in order to sanitize the council’s administration.

Mr. Mulade Yerindideke, who raised the motion of impeachment of the council chairman, Karetimi, which was unanimously adopted predicated the action on the grounds of diversion of N11.8 million inherited from his predecessor for agricultural projects, misappropriation of N51 million SURE-P fund credited to the council's account.

The statement alleged that the council chairman also diverted to his personal use the sum of $28,643 credited to the council's account by LNG.

34—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016

Aba residents caution against indiscriminate refuse dumping

ALLEGED N400M FRAUD: You've case to answer, court tells Metuh •Fixes March 17 to open his defence

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA—TRIAL JUSTICE Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, held that the embattled National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, has a case to answer over the alleged role he played in the illegal diversion of funds meant for the procurement of arms.

Justice Abang took the position after he dismissed the no-case submission the defendant made through his team of lawyers led

by Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN. The court said it was satisfied that there was a prima-facie nexus linking the defendant and his company, Destra Investment Limited, to N400million that was transferred from an account the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, operated with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, on the order of the erstwhile NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, retd.

Justice Abang further noted that Metuh had in a statement he made before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, admitted that he was the sole signatory to the account where the fund was lodged in.

“There are several questions that only the defendant can answer. He admitted knowledge of the fact that on November 24, 2014, the sum on N400 million was transferred to his company’s account with Diamond Bank Plc. “Did the 1st defendant enquire from the bank the source of the money? If he did, what was the response of the bank? It is only the defendant that can answer the question.

“If he did not enquire from the bank, did he report the matter to the EFCC or the Police? If he did not inform the police about the cash inflow into his company’s

account, why did he fail to do so?

“Why did he disburse the fund PW6 and 7, and also to Chief Tony Anenih? It is my view that only when the 1st defendant answers the questions, that it will be clear if he knew that the transfer of the N400m formed part of illegal proceeds of crime by the former NSA. “I have only heard from the prosecution and I am satisfied that a prima-facie case has been made out against the defendant.

"There is urgent need for the 1st defendant to tell the court whether indeed he gave $2m to the PW-1 (Nneka Ararume) to

convert to Naira equivalent and also the origin of these funds.

“It is my position that the defendant cannot be charged for money laundering if the source of the funds are legitimate”, Justice Abang added.

He noted that one of the witnesses had insisted that the $2 million was linked to $47 million that was withdrawn from the CBN

by Dasuki and handed over to the Aide-de-camp to former President Goodluck Jonathan to share to PDP chieftains that participated in a convention the party held on November 27, 2014.

“The no-case submission lacks merit and same is accordingly

dismissed. The defendant is to enter his defence today,” the court ruled.

EFCC had in a seven-count charge it preferred against Metuh and his firm, alleged that the N400m was part of about $2.1billion that was originally earmarked for the purchase of arms to prosecute the war against insurgency in the country.

It said the fund was electronically wired from an account the Office of the NSA operated with the CBN, to Metuh, through account no.

0040437573, which his firm operated with Diamond Bank Plc. Meanwhile, the court has fixed March 17 for Metuh to open his defence.

Stop using lecturers to conduct election, Sen Ohuabunwa tells INEC be credible, to conduct elections,

U

By Anayo Okoli

MUAHIA—SENATOR Mao Ohuabunwa who won last Saturday’s Abia North Senatorial election re-run has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to stop using university teachers as adhoc collation and returning officers during elections, saying they have corrupted the system.

According to Ohuabunwa, some of the lecturers now see the job as opportunity to enrich themselves by working for the highest bidder.

He also called on INEC to probe the activities of the Local Government collation officers and the returning officers in the Abia North re-run election, saying that their conduct was not straight forward.

Speaking to journalists in Umuahia, Tuesday evening, Ohuabunwa whose election was nullified by the Court of Appeal which necessitated the re-run, advised INEC to use their staff

in category of directors and deputy directors, or alternatively give the lecturers proper and adequate training if they must be used.

Ohuabunwa who dedicated his victory to God and the people of Abia North, regretted that former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega’s noble idea of using university teachers, believed to

has been grossly abused by the lecturers, who he alleged now price the type of cars to buy before going for INEC adhoc work.

He said: “In my opinion, I will ask INEC not to allow lecturers to serve as adhoc staff in the elections because they are derailing the commission’s effort."

A

By Eric Ugbor

BA—RESIDENTS of Aba, the Abia state commercial hub have called on the state government to set up a taskforce to check dumping of refuse on the streets and the drainages in the city.

Some of the residents who spoke to Vanguard in Aba yesterday said the lawlessness of Aba residents require very drastic measures to check.

The residents who lauded the effort of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu at making the city look better and cleaner noted that unless he sets up such a task-force, it would be hard to keep Aba clean.

Mr Udochukwu Njoku, a student of Abia State Polytechnic said: “In my own view, I would want the government to punish people who discharge dirt into the gutters if found. Government should also set up a task force to take care of that. Some people in Aba sweep their refuse into the gutters. That is very condemnable.”

Govs' wives donate boreholes in honour of HID Awolowo 25 in honour of late Mama the boreholes and ensure it is

I

KENNE—THE Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum has donated some boreholes to the Ikenne community in honour of Mama HID Awolowo as part of their contribution to the development of the community.

Speaking on behalf of members of the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum during the commissioning ceremony in Ikenne, the wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun said members of the Forum decided to donate the boreholes last year November

Awolowo towards the growth and progress of the community, noting that Mama would continue to be remembered as a great role model to womanhood.

Mrs. Amosun explained that water is essential to human existence and without it, life could be a bit challenging, saying this was why the Forum decided to provide potable water for the community in order to curb water borne diseases.

She charged the people of the community to take good care of

maintained for the benefit of women and the community in general.

Responding on behalf of the Awolowo family, Mrs. Tola Oyediran said the donation was in line with the good works of the Awolowo dynasty.

She appreciated the efforts of the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum for identifying with the family, especially in keeping the legacy of their late mother who passed on last year.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

Would you rather be loved or have a lot of money?

T

his is an interesting question and really it is very relative. My response is that it is bad having “a lot of money”.

My Bible says the greatest gift is love, so I will rather be loved than have a lot of money. Mrs Amaka Nduba-Onwuneme, Nurse C M Y K

W

ao! I want to be loved. When you are loved it shall at the end come with wealth.

Although money and love should go together but too much money is not good. Love will come with money. Miss Adaze Gabriel, Self Employed

I

would rather be loved than have a lot of money. How would you enjoy a lot of money without love and happiness? It will be a great disaster. Imagine living in a multi-million home with no one else.

Miss Okereke Bukola, Worker

I

f I am loved or I love someone, it cannot be taken by someone or something. However, both are important.

Infact, there is nothing to chose between this; o n c e you get lots of money you search f o r love. Mr Okafor Christian, Businessman

W

ithout money the obvious troubles would be there, but, at the end of the day, loving someone or being loved is the feeling that one would not want to sacrifice at the cost of m o n e y . Miss Harlis Udoyo, Student

L

ove takes priority, and nothing can replace it ever. Love is all that was, that is, and will ever be. If I ask for both, are you going to call me greedy? Love and money have their own importance, and place in life. Miss Akinyokun Comfort, Teacher

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016 — 35

NECO releases Nov/Dec 2015 SSCE results ...62% score credit in English, 68% credit in Maths

By Wole Mosadomi

M

INNA—NATIONAL Examinations Council, NECO, yesterday released the results of the 2015 November/ December Senior School Certificate Examination with considerable improved performances by candidates in both English and Mathematics.

Announcing the results at the Council’s Headquarters in Minna, NECO’s Registrar/ Chief Executive, Professor Abdulrashid Garba, lamented that despite the sensitization against examination malpractices, the desperation by candidates to cheat and engage in malpractices was still very high.

According to him, although 50,060 candidates were registered, but 47,507 and 47,554 sat for English Language and Mathematics respectively.

The performance of candidates by subject reveals that out of 47,507 that sat for English Language, 29,718 representing 62.55% obtained credit pass.

In Mathematics, 47,554 sat for the subject and 32,484 or 68.30% passed with credit.

Out of 39,389 candidates that sat for Biology, 17,227 or 43.73% obtained credit pass, while in Chemistry, out of 22,284

candidates that sat for the examination, 11,951 representing 53.63% made it at credit level.

Similarly, out of 22,201 candidates who sat for Physics, 818 or 3.68% passed the subject at credit level. In Geography, 19, 781 candidates sat for the examination, and 3,851 or 19.46% passed at credit level.

The performance of candidates

in Government indicates that out of 23,497 candidates that wrote the subject, 10,226 or 43.52% made it at credit level. In Economics, 39,406 candidates sat for the examination and 23,991 or 60.88% passed the subject at credit level.

The Registrar explained that “in view of the fact that the examination was for private candidates who were no longer

DINNER: From left; Chairman on the occasion, Chief Olu Akinkugbe; Managing Director, Academy Press Plc, Mr. Gbenga Ladipo; Chairman, Sir Simeon Oguntimehin; and Vice Chairman, Mr. Tunde Dabiri, during the 50th anniversary dinner of the company in Lagos.

Reps take over legislative activities of Kogi Assembly

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA—THE House of Representatives yesterday, finally took over the legislative activities of the Kogi State House of Assembly in line with section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, following the protracted crisis rocking the assembly.

However, factional Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Umar Imam, has described the resolution of the House of Representatives to take over the state assembly as illegal and unacceptable.

Umar, who spoke at his resident in Lokoja, said it was wrong for the lower chamber of the National Assembly to have taken over the functions of the assembly and sealed off its premises.

He said, “Whatever they have said, whatever they have passed as resolution in the House of Representatives is not having any force on Kogi State house of assembly because the constitution is very clear about it, section 11 (4)(5) limits the areas where they can necessarily intervene, in this regards it doesn’t call for it.

In taking over the legislative functions, the House directed the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase to shut the Kogi state Assembly complex until further notice.

C M Y K

in the school system and looking for one or two credits, the desperation to engage in malpractice was high. This led to an increase in the percentage of candidates involved in malpractice, compared to the figure for 2014.”

Professor Garba said the Council was however devising more practical ways to curb the malpractice level, just as the candidates were devising new methods to cheat.

The House in plenary, yesterday adopted the recommendations of the 10member committee set up to investigate the alleged illegal removal of the Speaker of Kogi State of Assembly.

It declared that “In view of the

fact that the Kogi State House of Assembly cannot perform its legislative functions due to the intractable crises and the volatile security situation in the state, the National Assembly should invoke the powers conferred on it by the Constitution of Nigeria to take

over the legislative functions of the state House of Assembly pending the restoration of normalcy in the Assembly.

The House, however, urged that “members of the Kogi State House of Assembly to quickly resolve any misunderstanding within members, and restore normalcy and quickly assume legislative functions to the National Assembly.”

SECURITY CHALLENGES: Zamfara begs Army to intervene

By Kingsley Omonobi

A

BUJA—Zamfara State government has sought the support of the Nigerian Army to tackle the security challenges facing the state.

The Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, made the appeal when he paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, at the Army Headquarters.

Governor Yari lamented that activities of bandits in the state were beyond cattle rustling as the criminals were said to be using sophisticated weapons, threatening four Local Government Areas of the state.

He requested for deployment of more troops in the state to curb incessant cattle rustling and other criminalities which had taken a new dangerous dimension in recent times,

adding that the state government had earlier written to the Federal Government on the situation.

Responding, the COAS thanked the Governor and members of his entourage for

the visit and assured him that the Army would do everything possible to ensure that cattle rustling and other forms of criminalities in the state were already being given necessary attention.

NTEL entices early pre-subscribers

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TEL, Nigeria’s advanced 4G/LTE network operator has announced an exciting pre-launch opportunity to early presubscribers as it prepares to enter the market.

According to the announcement, the first batch of subscribers to reserve their numbers on the network, and subsequently SIM-activate after launch, will be recognized as Pioneers on Nigeria’s newest mobile network marking them out as among the first to reap the company’s promise of abundant

broadband on it’s pure-play Advanced 4G/LTE network.

In his statement announcing the opportunity, Kamar Abass, CEO of Ntel, said “ntel is a proudly Nigerian company that is fully committed to empowering Nigerians through a technologically advanced pureplay 4G/LTE network. We are offering Pioneer status to the first batch of subscribers on our network. Those who reserve their numbers, and subsequently SIMactivate with us, will be the vanguard of a select corps of privileged subscribers.”

Consult widely over new monarch, Jepjan people tells Lalong

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

J

OS—THE Pan/Kopffiar people of Jepjan in Namu community of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State have urged the state government to consult widely with relevant stakeholders before taking any step to install a new Long Jan of Namu District to avoid aggravating the already tensed situation in the area.

They claimed that installing a new District Head without bringing aggrieved parties together to settle their differences will not augur well for the people who are already divided as the result of battle for the vacant seat of the District Head.

At a briefing, spokesman of the people, Albert Kopbe, said it was necessary to draw the attention of the good people of Nigeria to the “ugly trend in the Governor Simon Lalong led Government to install a new Long Jan who is not a Pan/ Kopffiar native but a Goemai man, from the Governor’s tribe.''

‘Ecological heritages can offer Nigeria best alternative'

By Olawale Gabriel

J

OS—THE Nigeria Association of Zoological Gardens, NAZG, has called on the Federal government to consider eco-tourism in its bid at diversifying Nigeria’s economy.

President of the association, Dr. Olujumoke Morenikeji, who spoke at the end of a two-day working visit to Plateau State, identified zoological gardens and parks as areas capable of attracting visitors' traffic and experience to the country.

Dr. Morenikeji said: “With proper funding of Zoological gardens and parks in Nigeria, it is envisaged by the Association that this sector will reduce the burden of monoeconomy by helping to attract more capital investment and generating more foreign currency, thereby boosting Nigeria’s economy. ''More importantly, it will conserve our natural endowment for the next generation yet unborn. We therefore called for closer attention and proper funding for these veritable ecological heritages, so as to open them for better utilization and generation of revenue for the country and its people.”

36 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016—37

Nordica, Diamond Bank walk in Lagos for endometriosis awareness

LUTH, Dettol promote patients’hygiene

By Sola Ogundipe

By Gabriel Olawale

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T was a star-studded list of Nigerians that braved the early-morning downpour on Saturday March 5, 2016, to participate in the annual Endo Walk, aimed at breaking the silence around Endometrioisis - a silent but growing health condition that predisposes women of reproductive age to ill health, infertility and severe periodic pains.

The 5-kilometre walk, organised by Endometriosis Support Group of Nigeria, ESGN, (an initiative of Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos), in collaboration with Diamond Woman (a female-friendly initiative of Diamond Bank Plc.), was to raise awareness about endometriosis and to keep women on the alert.

Endometriosis affects an estimated 170 million women worldwide and occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb is found elsewhere – most commonly on the ovaries, in the rectovaginal septum, bladder and bowel. The tissue bleeds every month, and can cause severe and chronic pain.

Among the notable participants were former Miss Nigeria, Ms. Nike Oshinowo; the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, MBGN 2015, Unoaku Ayandike; Anne Idibia-Macaulay; an International Model, Millen Magese; Executive Director, Mirabele Centre, Mrs Itoro Eze-Anaba; Ace Comedian,

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ENDO WALK: Participants defying the morning downpour during the Endo Walk 2016 held in Lagos weekend to create awareness about Endometriosis.

Ali Baba and a host of Nollywood stars.

Medical Director, Nordica Lagos, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi said Endometriosis is lifelong and women need to know how to manage it so that they can have quality life and enjoy their marriages.

“It is a chronic disease where tissues that are normally found lining the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body forming lesions. During menstrual flow, these lesions bleed in their locations leading to pain. The most common

symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, painful bowel movement, menstrual pain and sometimes some degree of infertility.”

Spokesperson for Diamond Bank, Ayona Trimnell, said Diamond Woman, is an initiative that caters for the complete woman, is very passionate about the education and awareness level of the woman especially in dealing with health conditions like Endometriosis.

O promote best hygiene practices across the country and break the chain of infection, the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LUTH and Dettol, manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser, has encouraged Nigerians to focus on hand hygiene and hygiene of the environment.

Speaking at the launch of Dettol Multi Surface Cleaner and flag off of ‘Clean Naija’ at LUTH, the Chairman Medical Advisory Committee of the hospital, Prof.

Olufemi Fasanmade regretted that the level of hygiene had dropped drastically after the Ebola outbreak in the country.

“I believe this Clean Naija programme will bring resurgence to the important place of hand washing in our nation.”

In his remark after demonstrating best way to clean environment at the Accident and Emergency Department of LUTH, the Marketing Director RB West Africa, Oguzhan Silivrili, stated: “In 2014 it was Ebola and last year it was Lassa fever, next year it could be something else.

“We don’t want it to be a silent killer like diarrhoea that kills children under the age of five, that is why we are introducing a new product ‘Multi Surface Cleaner’ MSC which can be use on indoor places and the best thing about this product is that it offer 10 times germ kill, lasting freshness, stain removal and better cleaning solution than detergents.”

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38—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016

•Orbih: Headed the exco accused of favouring Ize-Iyamu

•Ize-Iyamu: PDP governorship aspirant

EDO 2016: War in PDP FOR long burdened by the baggage of defending its eight year in power, the resolve of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to exploit the alleged fractures in the Adams Oshiomhole led All Progressives Congress, APC in Edo State is apparently going awry.

By Simon Ebegbulem

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OR long burdened by the baggage of defending its eight year in power, the resolve of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to exploit the alleged fractures in the Adams Oshiomhole led All Progressives Congress, APC in Edo State is apparently going awry.

A pointer to the seeming implosion of the PDP was given last Friday when party leaders gathered in Benin-City, the state capital for what was suggested as a stakeholders’ meeting.

At the centre of the brewing crisis in the Edo State chapter of the PDP is the allegation of bias by the just dissolved executive of the party led by Chief Dan Orbih. Orbih who helped to revive the party after it fell into deep morass at the inception of the Oshiomhole administration in 2008.

A number of the governorship aspirants allege that the Orbih led executive had tried to impose one of the formidable governorship aspirants, Pastor Osaze Ize-Iyamu as the governorship candidate of the PDP, with the belief that he is the only candidate that can face whoever the APC throws up as candidate.

Ize-Iyamu worked closely with Oshiomhole before defecting to the PDP and was remarkably, the head of the Grace Group, the group of activists in the PDP that broke away from the party to help Oshiomhole come to power.

His return to the PDP and his acceptance by the party

leadership in the state was believed to be a sign of desperation; to wit, the determination of the PDP and its leaders to oust the Oshiomhole legacy by whatever means.

Rumour of endorsement: Indeed, the rumour of the endorsement of Ize-Iyamu has brought serious division in the party. While Chief Tom Ikimi, Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion are backing IzeIyamu, leaders such as Senator Roland Owie have backed out and are insisting that the

A number of the governorship aspirants allege that the Orbih led executive had tried to impose one of the formidable governorship aspirants, Pastor Osaze Ize-Iyamu as the governorship candidate of the PDP

conspicuously absent.

Uzamere, Vanguard learned, has decided to be aloof in the happenings in the party after he perceived that those in control of the party had narrowed down their choice to IzeIyamu.

The Baden Baden venue of the meeting was taken over by thugs before the meeting commenced and it angered Ojougboh who insisted that all the thugs in the hall must leave before any meeting can commence.

Heightened tension: But tension heightened when some leaders of the party were denied entrance by the thugs, some of them were beaten up and thrown outside the venue by the thugs.

A founding member of the PDP in the state, Chief Samson Esemuede, Chief Clement Edo-Osagie, a former member of the House of Representatives and current member Federal Character Commission, Mr Ifaluyi Isibor and former spokesman of the PDP, Osaze

primaries must be transparent and that that will start with Orbih, not having a role to play in the primaries.

Indeed, it was in the bid to edge Orbih out of influence that a member of the party, Mr Osula Ehi, from ward 12 •Owie: Insists on fair primaries Oredo, ran to the High Court in Benin to seek Jesurobo were thrown out and an injunction to restrain the now molested by the thugs. dissolved Orbih executive from The thugs went after Senator parading itself in office.

Rowland Owie when he came Even before the case could be and tried to stop him, but the adjudicated, the claimant raised youths backing alarm on Monday, February 22, Iduoriyekemwen, who is an 2016, alleging plot by Orbih to aspirant resisted the thugs and conduct congresses despite the insisted that Owie must not be case in court. He thus sought for touched. an interim injunction to stop the Iduoriyekemwen commands scheduled February 24, ward the respect of most youths in Edo congresses across the 192 wards South and capable of picking the in the state. ticket of the party. That was how The injunction was granted by Owie entered the venue of the Justice Ikpomnwen which meeting where he confronted eventually stalled the Ize-Iyamu of organizing the congresses.

This thus thugs to embarrass the leaders. necessitated the stakeholders’ But Ize-Iyamu was said to have meeting of last Friday called at denied the allegation. the instance of the National Vice However, Ojougboh who Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Cairo condemned the thuggery Ojugboh in Benin City. pointed out that the tenure of the The governorship aspirants Orbih’s led Exco has lapsed and Ize-Iyamu, Chief Solomon warned against action capable to Edebiri, Matthew depriving the party victory in the Iduoriyekemwen were all present coming governorship election. but Senator Ehigie Uzamere was

Thugs distrupt ward congresses: He urged them to embrace peace as they embark on the last Saturday ward congresses which according to him will be conducted by the National Leadership of the party.

Though the ward congresses held last Saturday amidst controversies but the battle on who picks the guber ticket of the party is still on.

Narrating his ordeal in the hands of the thugs, Chief Esemuede said: “What happened was that they called us for a stakeholders meeting, I never sensed anything at all, I don’t go with thugs, I am the pioneer chairman of PDP, PDP started in my parlour in Edo state, I have produced a governor, National Assembly members and I have never been humiliated that way. Those who are engaging in this thuggery where never there when we laboured for this party.

Imagine when an unknown person will molest Senator Owie a national leader of the party and all of us, I pity them. Thugs are being used to molest and insult respected leaders in Edo South.

It is a very sad and ugly situation. But those who did this because of their ambition will never last.

Manipulating elections If you manipulate nomination can you manipulate the general elections? The answer is no. But we cannot be intimidated because those doing this today where never near the PDP when we laboured to grow this party.

You can imagine elderly men being thrown away in a PDP meeting when PDP is supposed to work together, they are chasing people away because of ambition but I pity those who did it”.

Reacting also, Jesurobo lamented that “I was one of those they molested, I have an injury on the head, stole my two phones and my power bank. As they carried me up I used my hand to hold my purse. It is a sad commentary on PDP, a party that is in opposition, they see me as a critic so they don’t want me in the state executive. The irony of it all is that for four years I have been a strong critic of the APC but they have never assaulted me any day then a party that I have been labouring for because they feel I am in the same camp with them they decided to assault me.

"APC is asking people to join them but our people are driving people away and I sympathise with them. We will continue to fight for the right thing be done.

This is the first time I have been humiliated in party politics. All those who did it will suffer, those who are not as old as I am will never get to my age, those who above my age will never grow older” he declared.

Vanguard, THURSDAY MARCH 10 , 2016—39

Building collapse: 34 confirmed dead as evacuation ends Continues from page 14 ••Workers fault Lekki Gardens stop-work claims Mr. Vincent Paul, one of the artisans engaged by the Lekki Gardens in an interview with Vanguard faulted claims by the estate owners that construction work was temporarily halted at the site.

Paul, whose friend, Sunday John, 29, was still missing, argued that work never stopped at the site, adding “I have worked with the Lekki Garden for four years. I know how they complete their work.”

On his missing friend, the Benue State indigene said; “I saw him last a day before yesterday. He told me he had work to do here. But I told him I had another work to do outside, so I passed the night in Elegushi. I have being calling his phone but it wasn’t ringing. I have checked all the corpses but didn’t see my friend’s. He is married with a child. The family is based in Benue State.” ....Lagos seals 20 distressed buildings Worried by the state of the buildings in Horizon 1, Lekki Gardens, the Lagos State Safety Commission and the State Building Control Agency, LASBCA has sealed over 20 buildings in the community.

Vanguard investigation revealed that the structures were sealed for defaulting in the 2010 construction law of the state.

General Manager of LASBCA, Engineer Shola Adeigbe said that the buildings would be subjected to test to ascertain if the structures were not defective.

24-hour ultimatum Meanwhile in his condolence to the relatives of masons who lost their lives in the collapsed building, Governor Ambode, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said; “Based on preliminary reports and investigation, it was discovered that the collapsed building was served contravention notice for exceeding the approved floors and thereafter sealed by the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LSBCA. It was discovered that in a brazen act of defiance and impunity, owners of the building, Messrs Lekki Worldwide Estate Limited, the promoters of Lekki Gardens, criminally unsealed the property and continued building beyond the approved floors until the unfortunate incident of Tuesday which led to loss of lives."

Gowon accepts son, 48 years after

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

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ORMER military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, retd; yesterday owned up to fathering a love child with the late public relations expert, Princess Edith Ike Okongwu, bringing to an end the 48-year-old paternity dispute over Musa Gowon.

Musa, who returned to

Nigeria at the end of last year, after about 23 years in a United States prison, was acknowledged by Gen. Gowon upon the report of a conclusive DNA test.

The paternity dispute was the subject of a legal action that reached the Supreme Court in Nigeria, which Okongwu won.

However, execution of the judgment was thwarted by

the arrest of Musa by United States law enforcement officials in Dallas on the charge of importing heroin into that country. The young Musa was sentenced to 27 years in prison and was only released last November on compassionate ground and good behaviour.

He was said to have pursued graduate school from prison and was of

Father and son, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Jack.

exemplary behaviour.

In 2003, while in US custody he lost his mother, a leading socialite in Nigeria who was also a one-time public relations manager of Guinness Nigeria Plc. Both the former Head of State and okongwu were friends in the 60s.

Gowon later married Victoria Zakari, a nurse, on April 19, 1969.

In acknowledging Musa as his son in a statement issued yesterday, Gen. Gowon, now 81 nevertheless asked for privacy after a very difficult period.

He said: “Following years of doubts and speculation, a DNA test was recently conducted to ascertain the paternity of Musa Gowon, who recently returned to the country. ''The results of the tests were conclusive, and they confirm his paternity. We, the family, are working to assist in his rehabilitation following a very difficult period in his life. ''As we look forward to the future with faith in God, we request that our privacy be respected.''

Activities of ‘economic terrorists’ behind fall of Naira — AGF

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA—THE Federal Government, yesterday, blamed the current state of the Naira on orchestrated criminal conspiracies and manipulation by “unscrupulous elements hiding under the cloak of market forces”.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, who made the allegation while briefing newsmen in Abuja, said certain disturbing developments confirmed initial suspicion of the government that the currency was being deliberately undermined by those he branded “economic terrorists”.

He said: “As a responsible government, we cannot allow such a situation anchored on unlawful alliances and criminal enterprise to continue unchecked, when it is apparent that its primary objective is to sabotage the economic agenda of the present administration.”

He alleged that the elements, having failed in their attempts to force devaluation of the Naira, aligned to create an artificial currency situation whose primary purpose was to undermine the economic programme of Buhari's administration.

He said: “We are witnessing manipulative and coordinated speculative activities in the foreign exchange market leading

...Orders EFCC to probe, prosecute culprits to the current wide differential between the official rate at the Central Bank of Nigeria and the parallel market rate, respectively, in a manner that defies rational economic analysis.

“These nefarious speculative activities exert further pressure on the Naira exchange rate and have created a very wide artificial differential between the aforesaid two rates which are now being exploited by unscrupulous individuals and institutions.

“Accordingly, the differential has given rise to sharp practices and rent seeking activities by these entities that run contrary to various provisions of the laws governing the conduct of the foreign exchange market and our antimoney laundering regime.”

He said some of the noticed infractions included roundtripping of foreign exchange sourced from the Interbank Market, rendition of false foreign exchange utilisation data, non-repatriation of

export proceeds, among others.

His words: “In consonance with the policy thrust of this administration to have a zerotolerance level for corruption, I have therefore directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other relevant security agencies to further investigate and confirm the information already available to government about the nefarious activities of these elements within and outside our national institutions.''

Power generation drops to 1,580.6MW

By Chris Ochayi, Ediri Ejoh & Iloaze BlessedOdidi

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ENIOR and junior workers unions’ action to protest the unbundling of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, is already taking its toll as power generation dropped to 1,580.6 megawatts, MW, in the early hours of yesterday.

Recall that generation capacity had inched up to 4,387MW on Friday, after crashing to 2,800MW prior to that from a peak of 5000MW due to gas pipeline vandalism, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory

Commission, NERC. Data from the Nigerian Systems Operations Department of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, w e b s i t e , w w w. n s o n g . o r g , indicated that the situation had gone even worse, with generation peaking at 1,580.6MW as at 9.48am yesterday.

Although the Systems Operations did not give any reasons for the drastic drop, or which plant generated what, it however, indicated that the 1,580.6MW were distributed to the 11 electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs, as follows: Ikeja: 237.09MW; Abuja: 181.77MW; Eko:173.87MW;

Benin: 142.25MW; Enugu : 142.25 MW; Ibadan: 205.48MW; Jos: 86.93MW; Kano: 126.45MW; Kaduna: 126.4MMW; Port Harcourt: 102.74 MW; and Yola: 55.32 MW The NNPC workers had threatened that the latest strike will affect every economic activity, as there will be no loading of petroleum products at the depots , a development that has escalated current fuel shortages, while also cutting gas supply.

Majority of Nigeria’s power plants whether on-grid or offgrid, depend on gas supply from the Nigeria Gas Company, a subsidiary of NNPC, to fuel the plants.

40—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016

•Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN)

•Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, JAMB Registrar

Senate resolutions not binding on JAMB – Sagay (SAN)

By Dayo Adesulu, Tare Youdeowei & Elizabeth Uwandu

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EGAL luminaries have said that the resolutions passed by the Senate last week, reducing the cost of UTME form from N5,650 to N2,500 and the extension of results validity to three years are not binding on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB. Recall that the Senate had, on November 17, 2015, adopted a resolution and directed its Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund to inquire into circumstances surrounding the new JAMB policy, including allegations of favouritism as well as review of JAMB admission.

In that light, the Senate reacted to the Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, Senator Binta Masi Garba’s submission and consideration on JAMB admission policies, by fixing N2,500 as fee payable to JAMB. Similarly, it has also extended the validity of JAMB

Etisalat makes case for SDG through education Page 41 C M Y K

results from one to three years while institution and course forms and all other incidental activities around the examination should be free.

The new JAMB policy entails that a candidate will make a choice of one university, one polytechnic and one college of education and then sit for a computer based test (CBT) to gain admission into any tertiary institution in the country.

Very good resolution Reacting to the development, parents and students say the resolution is a welcomed development that would save cost and hassles of sitting for the exams every year if one fails to gain admission into a university.

A mother who has trained four children through school and is happy for other parents still training children, who wishes to be known as Mrs Duru said; “It is a very good resolution, it would save us the trouble of buying the form every year.

It is not that we pray that they

would not get admission but sometimes post UME does not favour them, the school might give them a course that they don’t like and they have to retake the exam. Now that the result will still be valid for three years, it means parents will not have to spend afresh, JAMB lesson, scratch card, etc. It going to help a lot because people that really want to train their children should not be made to suffer.

Even though, by the grace of God, this is the last time I will patronise JAMB, it will help others.

I have 4 children, the last one is taking this JAMB. Since I was not educated as I would have liked, in want my children to be well educated. I have bought JAMB form at least 12 times. I spent a lot of money, JAMB lesson and the rest.

idea as it will save parents a lot of money and bring relief to students.

She said “This is a big relief to students and parents because it will save us, the students the stress of sitting for UTME every year, and it will also check the excessive profit made by JAMB.” Though Towolawi Babajide, a corps member currently serving in Osun State and teaches students preparing for UTME writing Jamb, supports the Senate’s decisions, he however

JAMB result form

If it is not that they are using it to make money, they would have done it since. What is stopping the JAMB result form being valid for life like WAEC?" 46 northern A student, Chiamaka schools Ikemefuna, get Oando who is yet to Foundation/EAC write the education UTME, said the decision of support the Senate is a Page 42 welcomed

The resolution only indicates that the Senate is concerned about the high cost, but they have not made a law to back up their resolution

cautioned JAMB to put its home in order so that the validity period would worth the wait.

But despite these high expectations, some legal luminaries have said the resolution is not binding as the resolution is like an appeal since it has not been passed into law.

Speaking on the legal perspective, Professor Itse Sagay said: “It is not binding because JAMB is an executive body. They cannot pass a resolution on such body, but can only give an advice. The resolution is like making a request. Only the Minister of Education, or the Council governing JAMB can take such decisions. The National Assembly is a legislative body.

It is a different thing if they have passed a bill signed into law to that effect.”

In the same vein, Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN) said: ‘’The resolutions by the Senate is not binding on JAMB. The House of Representatives are yet to make a law and not a resolution that is binding on JAMB. It is mere advice and it is not binding. If JAMB does not obey, there is no law that has been broken or breached. The resolution only indicates that the Senate is concerned about the high cost, but they have not made a law to back up their resolution.’’

Legislative procedure Also, Chief Morah Ekwunoh, a legal practitioner said: ‘’The resolutions of the Senate is not binding on JAMB because it is a resolution and not a legislation. The Senate should have come by way of legislative procedure to enact appropriate law and get presidential assent.

Then it becomes a law binding on everybody including JAMB. Without that, all their motions constitute appeal, not force.

Another way this cost could be reduced and binding on JAMB is by executive fiat, because JAMB is within the arm of the executive. In the constitution, the executive legislative and judiciary are separated, so there can be no interference.’’

Our investigations revealed that while JAMB registered over 1.5 million candidates in 2016, it succeeded in making N8.5 billion from the sale of forms to candidates at N5,650 each.

In 2015, it made approximately N7.9 billion from the sale of UTME forms to 1.4 million candidates. Also, in 2014, having sold forms to 1.6 million candidates, it raked in N9 billion, just as it also made N9.6 billion from the sales of 1.7 million forms.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016—41

Students besiege Cowbellpedia Maths contest website for registration

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AWARD: From left: Executive Secretary, Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board, Mr. Olawumi Gasper; Chairman, May Clinics Limited, Mrs. Esther Aworinde; award recipient/ fellow, Nigerian Institute of Training and Development, Mr. Laolu Oguntuyi; and President, Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, Mr. Foluso Fasoto, during the investiture of Oguntuyi as a fellow of Nitad in Lagos

Etisalat makes case for SDG through education

By Amaka Abayomi HE special appeal of the educational sector as a major driver of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDG, came to the fore recently at this year’s edition of the thought leadership series, Sustainable Conversations, which identified education and partnership with key segments of the society as part of the solution-oriented approach to the myriad of identified development challenges.

Organised by Thistle Praxis Consulting in partnership with telecommunications operator, Etisalat, and themed ‘SDGs: Fasttracking Targets Through Technology and Education’, the stage was set for insightful discussions on the nation’s potentials and enabling capacities for the achievement of the UNbacked 17-goal SDGs. Speaking at the Conversations, the Ag Regional Coordinator, Africa, UN Millennium Campaign/SDGs Action

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Campaign, Hillary Ogbonna, said the paradigm shift became necessary because of the inadequacies and ultimate failure of the MDGs to provide answers to certain critical development needs.

His words “This identification and inclusion of education as a driver of the SDGs has been described as a bedrock for the achievement of the agenda. But there is the overarching challenge of an acceptable quality of education, lack of which constitutes a major threat to the achievement of the goals.”

Speaking on the role of education in achieving the agenda, the MD/CEO, Galaxy Backbone, Yusuf Kazaure, called for the prioritization of ICT-led education.

He said “Moving from analogue to digital is a current day reality. We are part of the global family and without ICT, it will be impossible to achieve the SDGs because education, which is necessary to make it

happen, is driven by ICT today.

“If we pretend in Nigeria that we will not move in that direction, we will continue to be consumers of everything that is produced elsewhere. To achieve these goals, we need people who are not only literate, but also functional members of the society as a result of quality education.”

Also, Prof. Labode Popoola of the Centre for Sustainable Development (CESDEV), University of Ibadan, asserted that only quality result-oriented education can impact on delivery of the goals.

“Education is key to achieving the SDGs. There is a place for education and technology, and this is why the varsity system must play the role expected of them by challenging and making themselves relevant in the achievement of the SDGs. We need to take up more seriously the issue of educational governance. We have to rethink how the educational and research systems can work.”

NUC lauds AAUA’s facilities, standard

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HE leader of the verification teams of the National Universities Commission, Prof.

Daniel Njokwu, has commended the giant strides of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), despite its young status.

Prof. Njokwu gave the commendation when he led the two teams of the NUC to AAUA for verification exercise of the varsity ’s newly-established Faculty of Agriculture and the Department of Performing Arts.

Speaking in the Senate Chamber of the University’s Senate Building, Prof. Njokwu said, “With what we have seen since we arrived, I have no doubt that the varsity is doing well. All we have seen are of international

standard. It is commendable that a state-owned varsity like yours is doing so well.”

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. (Mrs.) Oluyemisi Adebowale, who received the verification teams on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, thanked the NUC officials for undertaking the exercise which she noted was to ensure quality in the higher education sector of the country.

She said, “AAU is the nation’s fastest growing varsity and the most subscribed varsity in SouthWest Nigeria as published by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, in 2015.

"AAUA, without being immodest, is a varsity that is aiming higher and committed to growth in every facet.”

The DVC also expressed confidence in the volume and quality of facilities that the varsity has acquired for training in the Faculty of Agriculture and the Department of Performing Arts under the Faculty of Arts.

She noted that the varsity, in the last December’s verification exercise, had received 100 per cent accreditation of its courses.

She said, “26 out of the 27 courses presented for accreditation in December last year got full accreditation, only one got interim accreditation.”

Prof. Adebowale added.

By Dayo Adesulu

HOUSANDS of students excited about this year’s Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematics T.V Quiz Show, have heeded the instruction to visit the website, www.cowbellpedia.ng and register free for the competition.

This was disclosed by officials in charge of the registration portal who said thousands of entries have been processed from students and schools.

Festus Tettey, Head of Marketing, Promasidor Nigeria Limited explained that this year ’s competition would be in two stages: Qualifying Written Examination and TV Quiz Show.

The National Examination Council, NECO, will conduct the Stage One examination to be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016. This year's edition is in partnership with NECO to widen the reach to participants across the country.

Tettey added that the Stage One of the competition is open to students from 10-18 years of age attending full time secondary school in both public and private schools, and entry is free.

Each school is required to present their best 10 students in Mathematics (five each from JSS3 and SSS2), irrespective of sex, religion, tribe or state of origin.

MD, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Mr. Olivier Thiry acknowledged the support of NECO, state ministries of education, school principals and teachers, the press and other agency partners for their continued support for the initiative over the years.

Thiry added that the prize money for the finals for both students and teachers has been increased. The top prize student winner in each category will go home with N1 million, a medal, a trophy and an all-expense paid vacation, while the teacher will be awarded N400,00.

Educationist seeks better funding for sector

By Esther Onyegbula

F

OUNDER, Aret Private School, Lagos, Princess Titi Oyebowale, has urged the Federal Government to allocate more funds to the education sector as obtained in developed countries.

Speaking at the maiden interhouse sports of the school, Oyebowale regretted that government has not made education a priority, adding that unless the issue was addressed, the sector would remain in comatose.

She said “The allocation given to education in Nigeria is still very minimal. Educationists need more funds to equip our

children with requisite skills needed in this 21st century. If we want to get it right in education, the government must fund the sector adequately to meet up with international standard.

“We don’t have to deceive ourselves. Education, public or private, is very expensive. If schools do not have adequate learning facilities there is nothing anybody can do to improve learning outcomes."

She also regretted that government did not consider the idea of giving incentives to private schools despite the fact that most private schools were doing their very best to improve a lot of Nigerian children.

Students tipped on patriotic behaviour

By Tare Youdeowei

N

IGERIAN secondary school students have been charged on the need to cultivate and sustain the habit of patrotism so as to move the nation forward. th Speaking at the 10 edition of the ‘We Are The Future Of The Nation’, WATFON, themed ‘I Believe in Nigeria’ and organised by Edumark, wife of the immediate past governor of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola, a Soil Mechanic expert and founder of Fight Against Desert Encroachment FADE, Sir Newton Jibonuh, Mr. Tonye Cole, among others, said patriotism and hardwork are needed for success.

Commending the conveners of WATFON, the chairman of the event, Sir Newton Jibunoh, said “today people are not emotional about the national anthem

because we have lost faith and feeling of belonging. How much love can we show our nation? Is it that Nigeria isn’t doing enough for us to love her or we are not doing enough for our Nigeria?

Dame Fashola said “you are a stakeholder in what Nigeria becomes tomorrow, therefore where ever you find yourselves, you must possess empathy, leadership skills, among other attributes. You must carry the badge of Nigeria with pride because no other country would love Nigeria if you don’t love her.

Also speaking, the host of WATFON and founder of Edumark, Mrs Yinka Ogunde said, “our youths should not let those who haven’t done it tell them it can’t be done; the tide is changing for the better and the are our hope for a Nigeria we can be proud of.

42 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10 10,, 2016

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016—43

They have asked us to smile explores hope, resilient spirit of Nigerians

By Elizabeth Uwandu

L

IKE prophecy that spotlights happenings in the future, the 17th Lagos Book & Art Festival, LABAF 2015 may have come and gone, but the memories still linger as the arts exhibition themed,”They Have Asked Us to Smile,” foretold the hardship the average Nigerian faces daily with the new government of change which is struggling to fix the economy, especially the devaluation of Naira that has resulted in high inflation of goods and services.

Did the organisers envisage that before choosing the theme or was it a coincidence?, was a questions that came up with the show and the body of works displayed.

Analysing the theme of the exhibition which aligned with the overall theme of the festival, Texts of Self–Determination; dedicated to 20 years after the state murder of the writer, environmental activist, and leader of the Ogoni Struggle for self– determination,

• Some of the works on display:Courtesy asiri magazine.com Ken-Saro Wiwa, Dr. George Odoh of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka said “LABAF art exhibition, spotlights the socio-political and economic dialectics of the Nigerian environment. The theme may well em-

They have asked us to smile has brought together a rich force of artists to help interpret a better tomorrow in their own words, using hope and positive attitude as creative perimeters

body themes of resilience, hope, renewal and self-preservation.

Smiling in adverse conditions is not alien to the Nigerian people.

Continuing, Dr Odoh said, the arts exhibition , raises these fundamental questions. Who are ‘They’? What power do they have over our collective destiny?

Is the request to smile borne out of a genuine conviction and verifiable facts that the adverse existential condition in Nigeria is turning around for the better?

Is it rather a command that pays little or no attention to one’s feelings or emotional state or a conspiratorial plot to play to the gallery and hoodwink an already disenchanted public?

Also, aligning the theme with the role of arts and artists play in the lives of the masses, Nkechi Nwosu-Igbo, the curator of the exhibition said artists create a bright future and rekindle hope

of a better Nigeria. Her words, “They Have Asked Us to Smile” has brought together a rich force of artists to help interpret a better tomorrow in their own words, using hope and positive attitude as creative perimeters. We live in times where extremist groups have reigned supreme and grown very quickly as they terrorise the whole world to support what they believe in.

Interesting stories This project looks at the strength of belief but from a positive side. What if I innocently believe that tomorrow can be better?”

The exhibiting artists, Aderemi Adegbite, Bob-Nosa Uwagboe, Diseye Tantua, Nkechi NwosuIgbo, Jumoke Verissimo, Jelili Atiku and Efe Paul Azino through

Nigeria's Kola Tubosun wins Premio Ostana award for Mother Tongue Literature

By Prisca Sam-Duru

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INGUIST, teacher, and writer, Kola Tunbosun, has won the PremioOstana International Award for Scriptures in the Mother Tongue, 2016 (Il Premio Ostana Internazionale Scritture in Lingua Madre 2016).

The Prize which is organized by the Culture of the Chambra D’Oc in the town of Ostana (Cuneo, Italy). It is given for the defense of an indigenous language, and for educational and informative activities by the recipient to protect it.

The eight edition of the Prize Ceremony will be held from June, 2 to June 5, 2016 in Italy, in collaboration with the Municipality of Ostana. Past winners of this International Prize include Jaques Thiers (2015), Lance David Henson (2014), Mehmet Altun (2013), Harkaitz Cano (2011), Witi Tame Ihimaera (2010), among many notable others.

By this feat, Tuboson has made history by becoming the first African recepient of the Award since the inception of the award.

Tuboson was born in Ibadan, Nigeria, in September, 1981, and studied Linguistics at the University of Ibadan before proceeding to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for his MA in 2012.

He was awarded a Fulbright fellowship/scholarship in 2009.

In early 2012, he founded the Tweet Yoruba Movement and the annual “Tweet Yoruba Day” to pressurize Twitter into making the platform useable for Yoruba speakers, and to create awareness for the usage of Yoruba on the internet respectively. In August 2014, Twitter facilitated Yoruba translation. TubÍsun has been an active translator on several internet portals previously available only in English and the world’s ‘main languages’.

Whilst working as an English teacher in Lagos, Nigeria, Tubosun’s recorded many feats which include helping to record

By this feat, Tunbosun has made history by becoming the first African recepient of the award since inception of the award

• Kola Tunbosun the first translation of The Nigerian Constitution in Yoruba.

In January 2015, he founded YorubaName.com, a portal to document all the names in Yorùbálanguage with hopes of improving the stock of the language and its use on the internet.

One of the project’s initial accomplishments is to release a free tone-marking keyboard software to allow more appropriate writing of Yoruba on the internet and save it from extinction. He is currently the head of lexicography on the project, among other advisory roles.

In recognition of his work and dedication, In October 2015, he was appointed as Speech Linguistic Project Manager at

Google (Nigeria).

This role involves helping the company realise a number of language-related goals on the continent and around the world.

As a writer, Tubosun has published fiction, non-fiction, and poetry online and in print, in Africa and beyond. He has been published in Sentinel Poetry Quarterly, Concelebratory Shoehorn Review, Sentinel Nigeria, Klorofyl,Eye Socket Journal,Nigerianstalk.org, Guardian UK, Ake Review, Saraba Magazine, Jalada Magazine, and several other publications. His chapbook of poems Attempted Speech & Other Fatherhood Poems was released for free download in September, 2015.

He has translated (and continues to translate) literary and nonliterary work from English to Yoruba and from Yoruba into English. His translation of Sarah Manyika’s short story “A Woman in the Orange Dress” was featured in the Cassava Republic’s multimedia Valentine Anthologyin February 2015. His non-fiction piece, Class Sessions, was published in the Jalada Magazine’s Language Issue (September, 2015). He has also published translated works in Yoruba for the International Literary Quaterly, Ake Review, and elsewhere.

their works actively engaged the the tragedies and triumph of the human spirit. For Aderemi Adegbite’s Roadmates, tells interesting stories of lives of bus conductors in Ghana and Nigeria.

He deduced that with the nature of their job as conductors, they also act as repository of knowledge of people, events and happenings in the city.

Auchi trained Uwagboe paintings- French Kiss(2015) , Happy People(2015) and Meeting Old School Friends seeks creative fulfillment in visual forms. For example French Kiss portends the distrust that exist among people though they share things among which include territory and bed space, while Meeting old school Friends on the other hand highlights the sheer joy, camaraderie that spring up on meeting not just friends, but old school friends.

Power of dialogue It evolves such feelings of nostalgia. Tantua’s Table for Two(2015) and In All Way Na Way(2015), two distinct works that posit the power of dialogue over arms in addressing differences as in Table for Two, especially issues such as the Niger Delta Militancy, Boko Haram insurgency, and other agitations.

All Way No Way according to Dr Oboh touches issues of inequality, poverty and the resilience of the human spirit. The slogan ‘All Way Na Way’ boldly written across the picture space, foregrounds the legitimisation of corrupt practices as a way of life in Nigeria- a salutary gesture to the inverted notion.

Atiku’s performance of Earth with Trees and Water I Am(2015) which forms part of a body of works called Alaraagbo generally, addresses the goodness of nature, the preservation of ecosystem and above all, the dangers inherent in the mismanagement of natures’ abundances such as land, water and tree.

The works of Verrisome, Orange Land and Those Who Died Smiling, and Azino’s poems Hope is a Nigerian and Dream Country; were apt with the exhibition theme, “They have asked us to smile,” which brings the Nigerian spirit of survival in the face of challenges.

44—Vanguard,THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016

Infrastructure: Pension funds invested according to stringent laws—PenCom FEW days ago, the Director-General of the National Pension Commission, PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, led other top management staff of the commission to an interactive session with a cross section of journalists in Lagos.

During the interaction, Mrs Anohu-Amazu, spoke on the safety of the pension fund, raging controversy on investing on infrastructure among others. Excerpts

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

S

AFETY of pension fund: The operation of the Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs is not part of the pension fund. The PFAs are totally separated and the reason for the separation is for safety of the fund. The other safety valve is that the PFAs who are the ones managing the funds do not hold the funds.

It is the Pension Fund Custodians, PFCs that keep the funds.

What we see, not very regularly I must say, maybe sometimes, some PFAs have some pressures and they invest in something that is outside the investment guidelines, the next day they get a letter from the National Pension Commission, PenCom. The PFC first of all would be queried, because it is outside the guidelines. And not only is the transaction rescinded, they pay a penalty and if there is any loss in interest in the Retirement Savings Account, RSA, they pay it.

Provision of guidelines That is why it is a highly regulated business. It is either you are able to operate or not. So the issue of, ‘are the funds going somewhere’ or ‘where does the money go’ is no issue at all.

What we don’t do is get into the details of day to day investment.

We provide guidelines. For federal government bonds you can invest up to 80 per cent of asset under management.

If you had 100 million, if you wanted to put 80 million of that into government bonds, it is alright because it is considered the safest investment vehicle. You can only do XY amount of corporate equities and it is all listed out and what we list is the maximum.

In the guideline, for every investment you are making there are some that require some level of rating and you can’t just wake up and say, ‘this is my brothers business, let me put it in them,’ it must meet the criteria we are talking about.

Investment in infrastructure: Infrastructure is already an asset class within the guidelines. So this whole noise of ‘they want to

take pension fund into infrastructure is funny because it is already there. Now the uptake is minimal and why is it minimal? It is so because you have not met the requirement for the pension funds to go into infrastructure.

Now you have an investment vehicle for infrastructure and it does not meet the laid down requirements or guidelines, no PFA will put a dime into it. The requirement go down to even the transparency of the bidding process. These guidelines have been there from inception.

What you are hearing now is clamour for there to be more pension fund activities in infrastructure and what we are saying is that the reason why there is not that activity is because you have not met the laid down guidelines.

So, until they meet it, the funds cannot go and in the event that they meet it, it is an investment.

For infrastructure, I have always been a proponent of investment in infrastructure for a simple reason that this is one investment if handled properly would benefit both the contributors and retirees alike. The federal government bonds are safe but it is not some-

There is a reason for the criteria in the guidelines. It is to make sure that the funds are safeguarded, shrouded from the vagaries of human discrepancies and all

From left— The Head, Investment Department, Mr. Ohioma Ehimeme; Director General, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, and Head, Surveillance Department, Mr. Muhammad Bello Umar, all of National Pension Commission, PenCom, at an interactive session.

thing you can see. When we were doing this reform in 2001/02, we were in Mexico and then we had gone to other South American countries where they have implemented the contributory system.

We were going down a road, maybe a five lane road, what we saw on the signboard on the road was ‘contributory pension fund.’

This is the kind of thing we want to see in Nigeria. 10 years down the line there is no such signboard in Nigeria and the funds are growing. Who will use the roads?

Engaging labour leaders We also need to engage people to think positively. The reason for the pension reform was the mismanagement of the old pension scheme. That is why the reform is very clear on the ring-fencing of the pension funds. Some of the people are agitating everyday that they are over regulated and I say to them that there is no such thing as over regulation.

You force people by law to save for their old age, the least you could do is to safeguard these funds. If they cannot touch it, it had better be working for them.

That is the key thing. Those that this law is for need to benefit from it.

That is by making sure that all the decisions taken are done with the employees, the contributors and the retirees alike. You have to put their interest first, which the law coincidentally has done.

I cannot tell you the kind of pressure that the pension Commission is getting at the moment because people believe erroneously that the entire N5.3 trillion is with PenCom. So every day, it is one request, ‘I need to travel, pension fund; I need to do this, pension fund.

They believe that everything can be funded by the pension fund because you hear it in the news and it is growing because it is ring-fenced. So, anything coming against that ring-fencing and following the law, we will ultimately not follow. This is not just because it is wrong but because the law

does not allow it.

Sticking to the guidelines: While there may be concerted efforts to raise infrastructure bonds, as laudable as some investments ideas are, we cannot go against the guidelines. All investments must follow the laid down guidelines.

We have finalised work on even the new guidelines and what we have in the new guidelines are multi-tiers and not one single fund. So that the gentleman who has less than five years to go cannot invest in what the gentleman who is 30 years old is investing.

Part of the drive we are doing now, we have young people who have come out to work in their 20s, they start saving. That is, for the next 25 years at the very least, they will still be saving. There is a reason for the criteria in the guidelines. It is to make sure that the funds are safeguarded, shrouded from the vagaries of human discrepancies and all.

Competitive bidding process So, an investor will swallow the law, and will have a competitive bidding process. You will make sure that those that are coming to bid are qualified to do it, you will have a time limit, you will have a monitoring team, we will have those who are looking at it to make sure that the quality of products you purport to give out is of a high quality. Is not for example, after the road has been commissioned that will develop pothole after two years.

Even before you lay it in there, somebody checks and verifies. In so doing, we will raise the bar in this country. We will raise the bar that people are stopping from thinking of a 300/400 per cent profit to thinking of a decent profit.

These are the kind of things that pension funds should go into.

There is room for optimising these investments. Countries like Singapore and Canada have utilised their pension funds effectively for their citizens. It is not something that is outlandish. The key thing is how did that utilisation hap-

pen?

If you provide food here for everybody it is a good idea. But by the time one person or two go and pack all the food, that good idea now becomes a bad idea because you will see from others clear undiluted anger that they had not eaten. So, if you had put someone there, even at an extra cost to see that the food went round, you would have done what you wanted to do but done effectively.

So, it is not whether the funds should go into infrastructure or not because from inception of the pension reform, infrastructure was there as one of the asset classes allowable for pension fund investment.

Pension fund investment What we should be asking is ‘why are they not meeting the guidelines? What is preventing those who are looking to build things for the community from meeting the guidelines? What is preventing you from having access to the pension fund?

If you have to phone the DG for an investment, it means that you are not meeting the guidelines and it will not be waved. If you say ‘Oh, there is this thing the PFAs said they cannot wave and can you intervene’? The answer is no. The guidelines are there on the website.

We also have people who come with so-called good investment but they have not met the guidelines half way into the game. So, what we say to them is, as good as this thing looks, these are the criteria which you have not met.

The clamour we are pushing back from PenCom is that even before you float a bond, study the guidelines. If you are desirous of the pension fund going into it, study the guidelines. So that at the time you are creating that bond you are ready.

The PFAs are the investors while PenCom is the regulator. We set out the regulation; the PFAs must invest within the regulation setup by PenCom. To be continued

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10 10,, 2016 — 45

46 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016

Ideye vows not to join Chinese League B

ROWN Ideye says he is happy to carry on playing for Greek champions Olympiakos and is not tempted by the financial lure of China.

The 27-year-old international says he rejected an offer in February to play in the Chinese Super League.

“It was unbelievable money for the club and financially tempting for any footballer but I chose to stay here,” he told BBC Sport. My family love it here, and clearly happiness comes before money.” A host of highprofile names, including Colombian striker Jackson Martinez, former Chelsea midfielder Ramires, Fredy Guarin, Ivory Coast forward Gervinho, Cameroon captain Stephane Mbia and compatriot Obafemi Martins recently made switches to the Far East.

But Ideye, who joined Olympiakos from West Bromwich Albion last summer and has 10 goals in 30 appearances so far this season has no desire to join their number. His goals and assists helped Olympiakos clinch a record-extending 43rd Greek Super League title in late February. It was their 18th title in the last 20 seasons and was their earliest they have ever wrapped up the title.

After winning his first league title in European football, Ideye wants to win more honours with the Greek giants.

"From where I come from [Nigeria] it’s easy to hear people say go to China for the money but I’m happy here,” he continued.

"Honestly I don’t have (a genuine reason to) leave Olympiakos. I have been shown love and this is the place to be right now."

Sharapova Continues from B/P

embattled tennis player Maria Sharapova to task at an anti-doping summit in London yesterday.

Pound, who headed up an 11-month independent WADA investigation into the All-Russia Athletic Federation (ARAF), told those at the event that Russia is simply “rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic” in the aftermath of the report that showed statesponsored doping and led to a provisional ban of ARAF by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

“My guess is Russia may not make it back for Rio. The IAAF and WADA are not going to risk their reputations by C M Y K

*Ideye

T

HE draw for the 2016 Edo FA Cup is scheduled for the media centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, on Tuesday March 15, the Edo Football Association has said.

The draw will involve 24 teams, which include defending champions, BJ Foundation.

“It’s going to be a glamorous event as we aim to move Edo football forward. We are very grateful to our sponsors, FROT Group, for their financial support for the competition and we pledge to make this year ’s edition of the competition a memorable one,” Edo FA boss, Frank Ilaboya, said.

He added that President of FROT Group, Frank Momoh, would grace the draw ceremony.

Winners of this year’s

Edo FA Cup draw holds March 15 edition of the competition will receive a cash prize of N500,000 while the second and thirdplaced teams will get N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.Ilaboya said all the 24 teams would also receive prizes.

Pros storm Abuja for Tombim, Dayak Tennis Futures ers now have very good Football takes centre platforms to earn points, HE big boys and precious computer rank- improve their skills and Tgirls from abroad ing points, which are make some quick dol- stage as Etisalat’s are lining up in queue the building blocks of for the first tennis Futures to hold this year in Abuja, the Tombin Open Championship and Dayak Open, both of which are sanctioned Futures by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

At a time when other sports are crying over poor funding and lack of tournaments, Nigerian tennis players are having a laugh as their sport is now the beautiful bride as four weeks of competitive international tennis action would take centre stage on the Package B tennis courts of the Abuja National Stadium from April 18.

Gone are the days when players used to complain of lack of tournaments as the coming of the Tombin and Davak Open tournaments would certainly lift their moral as they battle for

rolling over and playing dead,” Pound said at an anti-doping conference.

As for Sharapova, Pound said she “absolutely deserves to be banned.” Sharapova announced Monday that she tested positive for Meldonium, a Latvian drug that is used to treat ischemia, a lack of blood flow to an organ, and neurodegenerative disorders. The drug, which can increase oxygen uptake and boost endurance, was put on WADA’s prohibited list on Jan. 1, 2016.

Sharapova said a doctor had prescribed the drug to her and she had taken it for a decade to treat a magnesium deficiency. Sharapova has been banned provisionally and could see a suspension of up to four years for the violation.

tennis career. But the beauty of of the two tournaments is the international complexion, attracting well over 150 players from across the world.

The ITF yesterday confirmed the registration of over 85 players for the Tombin Open Tennis Championship, which is in its second year and well over 45 players from different countries around the world for the 1st Dayak Open, which serves off immediately after the Tombin Open at the Abuja National Stadium. Almost four months after the final of the Lagos Governor ’s Cup Futures, these looming tournaments will in no small way redefine the tennis space in the country as play-

Ighalo Continues from B/P

drought, which has also affected the fortunes of Watford.

“I am not worried about Ighalo’s recent lack of scoring goals for his club,” Siasia told Goal.com in Abuja.

“I have been in constant touch with the player and I know that he would deliver against Egypt home and away.

“I can assure you that Odion is desperate to deliver against Egypt because he knows the importance of the two matches and he told me.”

Ighalo on his path vowed to work harder to regain his lost form.

“I won’t allow this [his goal drought] to put me down, it happens to all strikers, but I know the goals will soon start

lars, which if converted to our local currency will buy great things in the open market.

Tombim Open has been scheduled to start on Monday April 18 and will last for 14 days for the two legs of the Futures tournament while the Dayak Open commences the Monday after the final, running for two weeks as fans get set to be treated to some beautiful tennis displays.

The sponsors of the two events, Tombim Sports Development and Dayak have begun major works at the approved Courts to make them conform to internationally acceptable standards so that the foreign and local players can play out their games without much complaints. coming. I will continue to work hard and it will be a matter of time before I am scoring again,” “The second half of the season is often more difficult, but we will get 40 points as we already have 36 points and we still have nine games to go. We have had some bad results in the last two, three games.”

He added that the game against Egypt will not be a tea party.

“It won’t be an easy game, I won’t lie,” he added. “But it is possible to win, we have what it takes to win, we will fight for the whole game to win.

“I have worked with Siasia in the U-20 and U23 teams, he is a disciplinarian and knows what he wants. He will play an attacking football and we have to give him our best. I will give him 100%.”

*Ilaboya

Cliqfest hits UNIUYO

F

OOTBALL took centre stage as Etisalat Nigeria stepped up its strategic engagement with Nigerian youth, when it kicked off the 2016 edition of its pan-Nigeria multi-campus youth-centric initiative, Cliqfest at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The two day event was a mixture of fun and excitement and featured a five a side football tournament, of four teams; Team Black (Midnight callers), Team Blue (Unlimited SMS), Team White(Free midnight calls) and Team Green (Bonus on Incoming calls).

In an exciting contest, Midnight callers edged out Bonus on Incoming calls 3-2 in a pulsating game while Unlimited

Dream Team Continues from B/P

preparing for an AFCON double-header against Egypt, while the Nigeria U23s are also getting set to battle Rio Olympics hosts Brazil in a friendly on March 24.

FC IfeanyiUbah forward Bright Onyedikachi opened scoring for the Eagles with a dipping shot, before Godwin Obaje doubled the tally.

All the players called up by the Super Eagles for the Egypt matches are now in the training camp.

Those selected from this camp will move to the match venue of Kaduna on March 20 to be joined by the 21 foreignbased pros invited for the qualifiers by caretaker coach Samson Siasia.

SMS knocked out Free midnight calls 4-1 in a one sided affair which set them up to meet Midnight callers while Bonus on Incoming calls slugged it out with Free midnight calls for third place. At the end of the contest Team Black (Midnight callers) ran home with the trophy after coming from behind to beat Team Blue (Unlimited SMS) 2-1 while Team White(Free midnight calls) won the third place match. All the teams went home with phones and Etisalat branded gift items.

Roma coach Continues from B/P

ally launched from a position on the right of a Roma attack and has considerably sharpened since Spalletti returned to the club for his second spell as coach, replacing Rudi Garcia in January.

Mikel Continues from B/P

says he has put talks over a new deal on hold and will wait until the end of the season before sorting out his future.

“Chelsea have approached him for an extension,’ his agent explained. But he said after the season he’ll decide. He has many teams interested – almost three clubs in China want him,” the agent said.

Mikel is in the prime of his career and his next contract is likely to be his last big one – so getting it right will be very important. His current deal expires in 2017.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10 10,, 2016 — 47

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016

Mikel puts Chelsea contract talks on hold

Ideye vows not to join Chinese League

C

HELSEA midfielder, John Obi Mikel will not negotiate a contract with Chelsea until the summer, his agent has confirmed.

Mikel, who joined the Blues a decade ago, has been re-invented under Guus Hiddink and the club has been keen to renew his current contract.

However, the 28-yearold’s agent

--Page 46

Roma coach warns Siasia over Salah

Continues on Page 46

R

OMA coach Luciano Spalletti has warned Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia that Egypt star striker Mohamed Salah is currently unstoppable. “He is hard to stop at the moment,” declared Spalletti. This warning comes ahead of Egypt’s two crucial AFCON 2017 qualifiers against Nigeria later this month.

Salah is Roma’s leading scorer this season with 11 league goals since he signed a oneseason loan from Chelsea, and in doing so disappointed Fiorentina, where he had been on loan in 2015. Incidentally, he scored twice against his former Italian club on Friday.

Salah’s main asset is his bursts of speed usu

Sharapova was careless, says WADA chief

*Salah

F

Continues on P. 46

Ighalo can rock Pharaohs’ boat, says Siasia S

Dream Team fall 0-2 to Eagles

UPER Eagles interim coach Samson Siasia believes Odion Ighalo will rediscover his scoring touch when Nigeria play against the Pharaohs of Egypt in the double-header Africa Cup of Nations qualification tie billed for March 25 and 29 respectively.

Ighalo, has scored 14 goals this season for Watford in the English Premiership, but for 13 games going, he has been hit by a goal

*Ighalo

N

IGERIA homebased Super Eagles scored two quick goals to defeat the country’s Olympic side 2-0 in a test game played in Abuja on Tuesday.

The Eagles are

Continues on Page 46

*Siasia

ORMER World Anti-Doping President Dick Pound took both the Russi-an track and field federation and Con P.46

Continues on Page 46

QUICK CROSSWORD

T OD AY'S PUZZLE ODA

FRI DAY'S ANS WERS FRID ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Belief (5) 7 Strand (5) 8 Stadium (5) 10 Insect (5) 12 Mineral (3) 13 Condition (5) 15 Middle (7) 17 Menace (6) 19 Shelter (3) 20 Smallest (7) 23 Call (4) 25 Lean (4) 26 Came (7) 30 Shrub (3) 31 Remorse (6) 34 Stretch (7) 37 Scorch (5) 38 Mine (3 39 Animal (5) 40 Start (5) 41 Guide (5) 42 Material (5)

DOWN 1 Nativity (5) 2 Box (5) 3 Reiterate (6) 4 Heroic (4) 5 Demur (7) 6 Skulk (5) 9 Stray (3) 11 Liberate (7) 13 Endure (5) 14 Fragrance (5) 16 Born (3) 18 Neatest (7) 21 Prickle (5) 22 Combine (5) 24 Inconsistent (7) 27 Manage (3) 28 Stop (6) 29 Eject (5) 32 Circumference (5) 33 Heron (5) 35 Hog (3) 36 Nobleman (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Solid 7, Snip 8, United 9, Adage 11, Her 13, Dig 15, Iris 16, Hem 18, Jeer 19, General 20, Huge 22, Mean 23, Lasting 25, Seer 27, Hot 28, Mere 30, Tit 31, Did 33, Badge 36, Revoke 37, Foil 38, Great.

DOWN: 1, Enter 2, Spa 3, Lea 4, Due 5, Wig 6, Belie 10, Glen 11, Highest 12, Ringlet 13, Deleted 14, Granted 16, Heath 17, Meant 18, Jam 21, Ear 24, Iota 26, Eider 29, Rigid 32, Cow 33, Beg 34, Die 35, Eft.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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